Space for Scale ups

Abstract

Europe is pushing for strategic autonomy and long-term competitiveness. Scale-ups, high-growth firms that have moved beyond the start-up phase, are central to innovation and employment, yet their spatial dynamics remain poorly understood. This thesis examines what spatial dynamics explain the geographical distribution of scale-ups in the Netherlands over time. It develops an exploratory, retroductive research design that combines firm-level LISA data (2013–2022) with GIS-based spatial statistics (inhomogeneous Ripley’s K, Global Moran’s I and Getis–Ord Gi*) and sectoral specialisation indicators at municipal and COROP levels. Scale-ups are operationalised using OECD high-growth criteria. The results reveal a structured yet evolving geography. Nationally hotspot analysis and trend analysis show a gradual eastward shift, with growing concentrations in outer Randstad areas and eastern provinces and relative decline in parts of South Holland. While sectoral factors have an anchoring effect on scale ups binding them to certain regions. Four interacting mechanisms jointly shape these patterns: general location conditions (especially land availability and affordability), scale-up-specific factors, sector-specific spatial requirements and more modest networking and clustering effects. Within this configuration, scale-up-specific factors, particularly the residential geographies of founders and employees, emerge as the strongest drivers of location and many scale-ups operate from business parks rather than iconic inner-city ecosystems. The thesis provides the first national, longitudinal, data-driven overview of Dutch scale-ups and outlines an initial mechanism-based framework linking scale-up growth to spatial conditions. It shows that policy can enable, but not tightly steer, scale-up geography, underscoring the need to align economic and spatial planning when reserving space for future growth.