Cluster Emergence and Network Evolution: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Inventor Network in Sophia-Antipolis

T<sc>er</sc> W<sc>al</sc> A. L. J. Cluster emergence and network evolution: a longitudinal analysis of the inventor network in Sophia-Antipolis, <italic>Regional Studies</italic>. It is increasingly acknowledged that clusters do not necessarily exhibit networks of local collective learning. Through a case study of Sophia-Antipolis in France, this study investigates to what extent networks of collective learning emerged throughout the growth of the business park. A longitudinal analysis of the inventor networks of its two main sectors reveals that a local network of collective learning emerged only in Information Technology and not in the Life Sciences. Through the creation of spin-offs and high-technology start-up firms, the initial dominance of large multinationals decreased only in Information Technology. This suggests that small firms play an important role in establishing local networks.