Is it important to know Jack? Using social network analysis to assess regional business connectivity in Bristol

This article attempts to measure the effect of ‘public sector brokerage’ in facilitating the interaction between enterprises in Bristol. In particular we examine the effectiveness of a public sector project through formal social network analysis. The data originates from a publicly funded consulting project measuring interaction between actors as a result of the Science City Bristol Initiative 2008–12. The remit of the project has been to maximise investment, increase public engagement and boost connectivity among key businesses in the region. Bristol is identified as an important cluster for aerospace, IT, finance and creative technologies. To monitor and evaluate connections a network analysis was commissioned at the early stage of the initiative. A core-periphery structure has been identified with key brokerage roles held by public sector agencies - facilitating private gain and presumably an increase of GVA. A number of suggestions in developing this research platform are offered in conclusion. These focus on capturing the evolution of social networks, their effect on the interaction between private and public actors, their impact on entrepreneurship and their effect on the dissemination of innovation.