Networks for Learning and Knowledge Creation in Biotechnology

'This book makes a major contribution to our understanding of how networks and entrepreneurial action drive innovation. The book should therefore be of great value for scholars who are working in this area, but also for researchers, students, and practitioners who are interested in knowledge-intensive industries where networks and entrepreneurship dominates innovation and knowledge creation.' Joseph Lampel, Professor of Strategic Management, Cass Business School 'This theoretical and empirical masterpiece impressively integrates multiple and cross-level analyses of new biotechnology firms. Amalya Oliver greatly extends our knowledge about intertwined networks among scientists, universities, start-ups, and big pharmas. Her rich and refined NBF model yields numerous unconventional insights into the tensions and dilemmas arising within learning alliances between academic norms about knowledge and market norms on profit. A judicious fusion of quantitative and qualitative methods discloses the centrality of trust relations for these managing the changing duality of competition and collaboration. Future analysts must reckon with this landmark study.' David Knoke, Professor Sociology, University of Minnesota 'This is a progress-assessing and agenda-creating book in a number of respects. It bolsters the case for the importance of university research, especially of the top scientists, in stimulating and providing the knowledge base for commercial application of biotechnology and other new breakthrough technologies. Clearly, this is a book that will be appreciated by all working in the area of new technologies for its value in setting a clear agenda for the field and in providing tools that advanced students need to understand the development of new areas in science, technology, and industry.' Lynne G. Zucker, Professor of Sociology and Public Policy, UCLA