Does light touch cluster policy work? Evaluating the tech city programme

Nathan, Max (2019) Does light touch cluster policy work? Evaluating the tech city programme. CEP Discussion Papers. Centre for Economic Performance, LSE, London, UK.

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Abstract

Despite academic scepticism, cluster policies remain popular with policymakers. This paper evaluates the causal impact of a flagship UK technology cluster programme. I build a simple framework and identify effects using difference-in-differences and synthetic controls on rich microdata. I further test for timing, cross-space variation, scaling and churn channels. The policy grew and densified the cluster, but has had more mixed effects on tech firm productivity. I also find most policy ‘effects’ began before rollout, raising questions about the programme’s added value.

Item Type:	Monograph (Discussion Paper)
Official URL:	http://cep.lse.ac.uk/_new/publications/series.asp?...
Additional Information:	© 2019 The Author
Divisions:	LSE
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions T Technology
JEL classification:	L - Industrial Organization > L5 - Regulation and Industrial Policy > L53 - Government Promotion of Firms O - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth > O3 - Technological Change; Research and Development > O31 - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives R - Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics > R3 - Production Analysis and Firm Location > R30 - General R - Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics > R5 - Regional Government Analysis > R50 - General
Date Deposited:	16 Feb 2020 14:15
Last Modified:	13 Dec 2020 00:59
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/103421

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