clusters

The paper adopts sociometric analysis to explore the process of knowledge acquisition and diffusion in clusters of firms. By comparing the knowledge systems of two clusters selected for being at different stages of their development path, this study shows that the knowledge system of the laggard cluster is weak, highly disconnected and vulnerable, while in the case of the emerging, dynamic cluster, the knowledge system is characterized by a more connected yet uneven knowledge acquisition and distribution process.

The paper applies an innovation system framework to analyze the development of a natural resource-based system of innovation within the wine cluster in the Niagara Peninsula in Canada.

The authors examine the spatial and temporal distribution of per capita income across Europe. The analysis is based on a cluster methodology which allows for an endogenous selection of regional clusters using a multivariate test for stationarity where the number and composition of clusters are determined by the application of pairwise tests of regional contrasts.

The report looks at the promise of clusters for Canada, whether they contribute to regional economic growth, and the role of government in facilitating the development of successful clusters. The research has found that clusters do contribute to regional economic growth depending on the stage of their life cycle, the economic cycle and the degree of maturity of the technology platform.

The paper focuses on the question of effective innovation-enhancing institutional forms of cluster promotion, indirectly also addressing other major issues. It discusses two opposite modes of institutionalization which both relate to the creation of regional cluster-related advantages.

The paper discusses the available evidence on clusters in Europe and the efforts to integrate the cluster perspective into European economic policy thinking. The paper concludes with thoughts on how the current efforts can be made more effective.

The paper examines and attempts to learn from a case in which choice of organizational form is in fact a major element of competition.

The paper focuses on horizontal clusters by exploring the spatial distribution of industrial clusters in Denmark. The study finds evidence of a significantly higher productivity in clusters. However, the magnitude of the cluster advantages varies a lot across industries and is highest in textile.

The paper adopts sociometric analysis to explore the process of knowledge acquisition and diffusion in clusters of firms. By comparing the knowledge systems of two clusters selected for being at different stages of their development path, this study shows that the knowledge system of the laggard cluster is weak, highly disconnected and vulnerable, while in the case of the emerging, dynamic cluster, the knowledge system is characterized by a more connected yet uneven knowledge acquisition and distribution process.

Through the history of Sophia Antipolis, the paper provides an illustration of the development of high technology clusters affected by the different dynamics of any attempts to coordinate activity and build a shared knowledge.