PUBLIC LECTURE: "So you think you want to build a life-science cluster around Perth"? A critical analysis of the opportunity for a community based innovation strategies"

Abstract::

Location, location, location has become the battle cry of economic and community developers, university tech transfer offices, consultants and economic geographers around the world. Almost everyone involved in economic planning at the community level is seeking to optimize the local spin-off benefits of public investmentPerth included. At current count, more than 250 centres around the world assert they have built, are building or will build a life-science cluster in their community. What are the prospects for Perth? This talk will critically examine the history and practice of clusters (where have they existed and where are clusters currently operating?), assess the politics of clustering (what do people expect them to do?) and review the economics of clusters (what can they do in theory and practice?). The talk will offer some insights into the prospects for building a life-science cluster in Perth.