METHODS AND ANALYSIS
Research stages and methods for the case study are summarized as follows:
- Mapping of the Digital Economy - review of secondary data and literature
- Network data collection and database creation
- Surveys & interviews with digital firm owners (Appendix Survey Design)
- Ethnographic observations (Attendance at Meet-Ups, Exchanges and Network events - participant observation)
The present research has used both secondary data from relevant resources and gathered a small sample of primary data by means of survey research. After all, a database containing information on 243 companies has been reviewed and enriched with information on social media presence. To proceed with the social media analysis data of 27 companies and 2 Incubators has also being harvested using Netvizz Facebook app from the Digital Methods Initiative toolset.
Methods and analysis Part I (Database validation)
- Secondary data analysis. Looking for data validation.
- Descriptive analysis of the main characteristics of the Digital economy cluster in Hull.
- Data visualization tools to see the emerge of patterns
Methods and analysis Part II (Network Analysis)
- Social Media Analysis
- Strong Connectivity (most connected)
- Content analysis
- Likes per country
Methods and analysis Part II (Business model mapping)
- Components analysis
- Business model map
- Network value analysis
Software and other digital tools
- Raw density - http://raw.densitydesign.org/
- Gephi - https://gephi.org/
- Netvizz - https://apps.facebook.com/netvizz/
- Airtable - https://airtable.com/
- Excel
- Illustrator