TECHNOLOGY SEARCH AND FIRM BOUNDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY - NEW FIRMS AS AGENTS OF CHANGE

Schumpeterian perspectives on industrial change suggest a relationship between new firms and the regionally specific technological bases for innovation. However, the links between such firms and the knowledge b ases for innovation are more implicit than explicit. The innovation pr ocess in new firms reflects both the capabilities found within the fir m as well as information sourcing from without. This paper seeks to ar ticulate the nature of change in relationships between firms in scienc e-based industries and the technological infrastructure accessed to su pport innovation, as such industries mature out of the birth phase. In novation is treated as decision making, identifying the firm as innova tor and agent of change. Survey research suggests that a shift in the sourcing of information, and an associated shift in the character of i nformation accessed, occurred with maturation in the study industry, c omprised of biotechnology finns in the U.S. ''Early'' and ''later'' fo rming firms show somewhat different technology sourcing patterns. Inte rviews were conducted to help interpret these findings. Implications f or industry development are suggested.