An Analysis of Communication Networks Among Tampa Bay Economic Development Organizations

In 1995 a federally-sponsored agency in Tampa, Florida undertook an applied social network analysis study. This agency, the Technology Deployment Center, needed a study to assess the dozens of economic development organizations in the Tampa Bay area, each with their own missions, strategies, planning and information resources. Social network analysis was selected for its strength in assessing communication, relations, and cooperation, and interorganizational environments. As a network study of inter-organizational communication, the study presents a snapshot of Tampa Bay area public organization networks in the rapidly changing field of urban economic development. The research also contributed to a master’s thesis.