Competition versus Cooperation and Construction of New Professional Space in a French Cluster

the case of technological platforms

Abstract

This paper aims to describe the historical trajectory of a microelectronic district, focusing on the critical moment of emergence of the SCS cluster. In particular, we will observe the different strategies of competition and cooperation between various actors who intervene in the management of platforms and in the operation of collaborative projects. Through these case-studies, we will attempt to identify new hybrid actors emerging at the boundaries of Science and Industry and to question the nature of an “intermediate professional space” and its social meaning.