On the geographic distribution of knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship: an evaluation of the state of são paulo, brazil

Abstract

H istory has shown that the distribution of knowledge - intensive entrepreneurship (KIE) is concentrated in space, a function of agglomeration economies and the existence of a multidimensional structure that fosters the location of entrepreneurial activity in certain areas more than in others. U nderst anding the determinants and dynamics of emergence of entrepreneurial ecosystems represents a fundamental aspect in defining and orienting public policies aim ing at reinforcing existing structures; and / or facilitating the rise of latent systems. This is par ticularly true for developing economies. These nations are poorly addressed by economic literature in concerning the spatial dynamics of entrepreneurial and innovation systems. In this research we propose an exploratory evaluation of the geography of KIEs in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, with focus on the determinants of KIE density at the city - level using data for 1130 KIE projects from the PIPE Program (Fapesp) in 114 cities. Descriptive assessments pinpoint the case of São Carlos as a strong candidate for representing the most developed entrepreneurial ecosystem in this region. Moreover, through OLS and heteroskedascity - corrected estimations for multidimensional models we find preliminary indications concerning the existence of agglomeration diseconomie s affecting the location of KIE densit y in the State of São Paulo.