Abstract:
The Network approach is a useful heuristic tool that enables us to focus on the network
structure, inter-linkages between actors and help determining how the networks change
over time. The present study used the network approach to understand the degree to
which technology based clusters (TBCs); industries, firms and products are enmeshed and linked in a network. The study indicates the important features and structure of high-tech industrial organisation in Ireland. Various network-based measures of connectivity and embeddedness of these competitive technology clusters in the network are used to
determine the behaviour, and the range of opportunities, influence, and power that the
industries and TBCs have. The study also examines whether capabilities are transferrable
across these TBCs and industries in an evolutionary manner through technological
convergence. Demographics of 2280 high-tech firms that comprise 8 competitive
technology based clusters in Ireland are used to construct this network and an extensive
product classification is used to create linkages between the technologies and industries.
