| This thesis examines the multilevel governance processes supporting regional microelectronics industries with the goal of better understanding how states are adapting to an increasingly global and knowledge-intensive economy. It finds that a new mode of governance is emerging that responds to the challenges associated with developing and sustaining competitive and knowledge-intensive industries. This mode is strategic, and structured as a governance network that involves a mix of mostly local actors who take a strategic interest and role in shaping the long-term economic prospects of a locality. Through mobilizing and developing knowledge assets in support of targeted industries, drawing down resources from upper levels of government, and helping resolve multi-jurisdictional regional governance problems related to sector development, these networks help regional firms adapt to ever-changing global high-tech markets. From a theoretical standpoint, these governance networks are significant in part because of the presence of a strong civic component that has little in common with typical industry associations. In fact, these networks are entirely distinct from the widely studied policy networks, which are concerned primarily with policy relating to the regulatory conditions of the political economic system. |
