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Location: A Neglected Determinant of Firm Growth

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Abstract

This paper links the performance of new technology firms, measured in terms of employment growth, to geographic location. We introduce a model of firm growth that is specific to characteristics of the location as well as the firm and industry. The model is estimated using a unique data set identifying the growth performance of small technology-based firms in Germany. We find that firm performance, as measured by employment growth, does appear to be influenced by locational characteristics as well as characteristics specific to the firm and the industry. In particular, the empirical evidence suggests that being located in an agglomeration rich in knowledge resources is more conducive to firm growth than being located in a region that is less endowed with knowledge resources. These results suggest the economic value of location as a conduit for accessing external knowledge resources, which in turn, manifests itself in higher rates of growth.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    David B. Audretsch

  2. MPI Jena, Jena, Germany

    David B. Audretsch

  3. CEPR, London, UK

    David B. Audretsch

  4. Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Düsternbrooker Weg 120, 24105, Kiel, Germany

    Dirk Dohse

Authors
  1. David B. Audretsch
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  2. Dirk Dohse
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Correspondence to Dirk Dohse.

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JEL no.

L10, R11, O12, O30

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Audretsch, D., Dohse, D. Location: A Neglected Determinant of Firm Growth. Rev. World Econ. 143, 79–107 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10290-007-0099-7

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