Toni Morrison and the Natural World
Through the works of Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison, this week's review links critical studies in African American literature and ecocriticism
Posted on in Review of the Week
Startups and Cities
Our latest Review of the Week considers startup businesses and the cities that attract them
Posted on June 4, 2018 in Review of the Week
Startup cities: why only a few cities dominate the global startup scene and what the rest should do about it
Cohan, Peter S. Apress, 2018
271p index, 9781484233924 $19.99, 9781484233931 $19.99
Why do some cities attract startups while others don’t? Cohan (Babson College) offers an explanation built on a 100-year-old idea by Alfred Marshall. Marshall argued that districts cluster, creating many similar firms, attracting talent and rival firms, and lowering transaction costs. Cohan updates Marshall by applying it to startups. He argues that a city’s successful entrepreneurial ecosystem generates startup clusters. Vibrant ecosystems have “pillars” (startups who have gone public) and universities that invest in other startups in the region. That attracts more startups and more investment. Cohan creates a five-tier typology of city ecosystems and discusses five requirements for growing an ecosystem: universities, good city living, mentors, access to capital, and a founder-friendly environment. He dedicates a chapter to each requirement, and provides in each chapter cases studies for each ecosystem tier (successful and unsuccessful). The case studies are exceptionally insightful on what works (or fails). He concludes with advice for cities on what they can do to improve their ecosystem.
Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty.
Reviewer: J. J. Janney, University of Dayton
Subject: Social & Behavioral Sciences – Business, Management & Labor
Choice Issue: Aug 2018
Related Posts
-
-
Dividing Paradise
In honor of Public Works Week, we take a sociological look at city development and planning in Dividing Paradise. This week's review presents a case study of Paradise Valley, which demonstrates class tensions and economic disparity in rural areas.
Posted on in Review of the Week
-
1.5 Generation Korean Diaspora
In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this week's review brings together research on "1.5 generation" Koreans in the US and beyond
Posted on in Review of the Week
-
How People Matter
To commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month, this week's review looks at how "mattering" impacts one's well-being, relationships, and community
Posted on in Review of the Week