Clusters, technopoles, milieus of innovation, science parks, company towns, corporate campuses and all other silicon-“things” are based on one simple idea – the idea of agglomeration effects. The core belief behind this approach is that physical and social proximity of companies coupled with institutional influence – generates spillover effects that are a source of new innovation and value creation.

The Re-Birth of the Company Town Book is the result of a two years research project where we analyzed data regarding 12 Fortune 500 companies and the ways they get involved into local development in the rather small towns where they still have their headquarters. The result is a collection of maps and diagrams depicting the development of company towns throughout the ages, all bundled together in an online magazine and a printed book.