Expatriates in Health Valley : Developing the Cluster through Network Relations
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2012
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en
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Abstract
Increasing globalization of economies provides a constant competition for value. The
problem of many peripheral regions is to create the right conditions to compete in a battle of
attracting financial- and human capital. Creating an economy of scale and scope is one of the
main policies of the city of Nijmegen, in order to compete among many other smaller sized
cities. Specializing on existing local strength was the motto of Nijmegen, when branding the
city Health Valley. This thesis is concerned with presenting a way in which expatriates can
help the cluster Health Valley develop, by a triangulation of methods. Where contemporary
literature provides us with six conceptual roles of expatriates in attributing to internal,
external, formal and informal knowledge flows, a mix of in-depth interviews and a
questionnaire ensure the necessary empirical results. The thesis argues that background
differences and an interdisciplinary approach can help the internal buzz, while highlighting
the importance of external social contacts of expatriates in building external pipelines.
Finally, it recognizes the position of the expatriate to increase the reputation of Nijmegen,
ensuring future transnational mobility to the region. Above all, this research provides a
framework for further research on ways to improve the role of the expatriate in developing
clusters.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen