Mapping Knowledge Ecosystems : Leveraging the Ecosystem and Network to Compete Globally

Many economic development leaders are moving toward the advancement of regional knowledge ecosystems as a model for future regional competitiveness. Considerable research and work has been undertaken to define and understand the key elements that make up this new regional knowledge ecosystem approach to technology led economic development. This paper furthers this research process and begins to examine the role of regions in advancing the knowledge ecosystem concept. It begins by mapping the various elements or assets of the Metro Orlando, Florida regional knowledge ecosystem for the purpose of understanding the existing connections and relationships while attempting to identify possibilities for nurturing and strengthening the overall regional ecosystem. It makes an effort to define the regions knowledge assets, both as discrete elements and also as they become concentrated in vibrant centers or knowledge assets. This paper also attempts to glean key lessons to be learned by looking, more in depth, at the success of these vibrant centers or knowledge ecosystem assets through the various stages of their development and growth, either purposely designed developments or as organically evolving concentrations of innovation assets within the region. This paper recognizes the need for further examination of this important topic and frames a number of remaining questions to be addressed in subsequent research phases.