Innovation in life-science sectors: inter-cluster and intra-cluster dynamics

The paper explores the role of clusters, or localized networks involving industrial, academic and institutional players, in the life-science industry setting and their impact on innovation, by applying a network theory approach. The aim is to build a theoretical framework to improve the understanding of the effect of intra-cluster and inter-cluster structural and nodal network characteristics on the cluster's innovative performance. The work sheds light on the factors that give rise to differential innovative outcomes across different clusters.