Access and utilisation of social capital in knowledge transfer

For start-ups choosing to locate in Science Parks, the physical and social environments are sources of social capital for firm founders. In this study we examine the social and physical proximity, contextual origins and application spheres of various sources of social capital available to startups prior to, and following, their choice to locate within a Science Park. Interviews are conducted with biotechnology-oriented start-up founders, specifically investigating their sources of social capital in three key phases of the firm development. We find that start-ups choose to locate in the Science Park based primarily on neo-classical location theory and social capital is primarily externally sourced with minimum involvement of the Science Park itself or with other firms located within the Science Park. The local HEI is also cited as being instrumental in sourcing and mobilising social capital.