17.08.2016 - 15:01

Guest Lecture Martin Hemmert

Start-up Ecosystems in East Asia: How do they differ from the West? Date: Wed, August 17, 2016, 11–12.30 h
Venue: IN-EAST School, Geibelstr. 41, Room SG 183

Abstract
We study four major high-tech start-up ecosystems in East Asia: Tokyo, Seoul, Suzhou and Chongqing. Our case studies of these start-up ecosystems reveal that they differ in various important aspects from their Western counterparts. They are located within very large urban agglomerations. Consequently, start-up firms are co-located with many leading domestic and international firms, and research institutions. However, the networks with these partners tend to be relatively weak and segregated. Government support is strong and results in broad financial assistance for start-ups. We also find differences in the growth and internationalization of the four East Asian start-up ecosystems which can be related to features of the national economies they are located in. Overall, our findings suggest that studies of start-up ecosystems need to consider their regional institutional and cultural context, as there are strong differences between Western and East Asian countries.