Fostering Innovation: An Analysis of Regional Capacity To Support High-Growth Entrepreneurial Firms Regarding The Cases of The Research Triangle and The Piedmont Triad

This report analyzes the ability of the Research Triangle and Piedmont Triad regions of North Carolina to foster and support high-growth entrepreneurial firms. The analysis is specific to: 1) the role of entrepreneurship in each region's overall economic development strategy, 2) the identification of key environmental factors specific to the Triangle and the Triad that stimulate entrepreneurship, 3) the availability of resources designed to facilitate the formation and growth of entrepreneurial firms, and 4) the identification of organizations critical to entrepreneurial firm growth and the degree to which collaboration/linkage exists between these organizations. Research and interview findings for both the Triangle and the Triad suggest the need for the development of a coherent and visible regional entrepreneurship strategy, a refined role for local and state governments in supporting entrepreneurship, and improved commercialization and technology transfer capabilities at local research universities. Where applicable, lessons learned from the Research Triangle and Piedmont Triad cases regarding entrepreneurship were generalized to assist other regions in their effort to enhance their entrepreneurial environment and encourage further research in the fields of entrepreneurship and economic development.Master of City and Regional Plannin