Regions, Knowledge Communities and Innovation Dynamics: A Case of Bengaluru Biocluster in India.

Scholars from the diverse academic themes have reflected and discussed the connection between the innovation and the geographical settings. In developing countries, like India, high technology cluster development is not a new phenomenon, and has been a significant tool for policy implications. However, such clusters have emerged in certain regions, specifically southern India, endowed with diverse set of 'knowledge bases/knowledge communities', which are being utilized at different stages of the innovation. Among the clusters in southern India, Bengaluru biocluster is an important example to reflect upon various dimensions of the regional innovation system. The presence of some of the premier research institutions, Indian and foreign multinationals, skilled workforce, backed by robust policy initiatives, provides Bengaluru an edge over other clusters located in other parts of the country. With this prelude, the study attempts to explore different knowledge communities and innovation dynamics in the Bengaluru biocluster, which is influenced, inter alia, by the global waves of innovation. A mixed method is adopted along with a case study approach to examine the given cluster. Moreover, the study infers that knowledge communities enjoy linkages at the local, regional and global levels; leading to expansion of cluster. Evidently, publications and patents outputs as well as collaborating activities have an inter-relation with innovation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]