Clusters and Regional Development Critical Reflections and Explorations [Paperback]

Using international examples, leading scholars present the first critical analysis of cluster theory, assessing the cluster notion and drawing out, not only its undoubted strengths and attractions, but also its weaknesses and limitations.

Over the past decade the cluster model has been seized on as a tool for promoting competitiveness, innovation and growth on local, regional and national scales. However, despite its popularity there is much about it that is problematic, and in some respects the rush to employ cluster ideas has run ahead of many fundamental conceptual, theoretical and empirical questions.

Addressing key questions on the nature, use and effectiveness of cluster models, Clusters and Regional Development provides the missing thorough theoretical and empirical evaluation.

1. The Rise of the Cluster Concept in Regional Analysis and Policy: A Critical Assessment  2. The Theory of Clusters: Why Different Interpretations have Emerged and What they Signify  3. Entrepreneurs as Agents in the Formation of Industrial Clusters  4. Origins and Evolution of Clusters: The Case of the Hollywood Motion Picture Industry  5. Cluster Location and Firm Performance  6. (How) Do Clusters Create Knowledge?  7. Spaces of Knowledge Flows: Clusters in a Global Context  8. Does Clustering Increase the Capacity of Localities for Innovation?  9. Learning, Innovation and Cluster Dynamics  10. In Search of a Theory of the Industrial District Model  11. Cutting Through the Chaos: A New Typology of Industrial Districts and Clusters  12. Cluster and Hinterland: An Assessment of the Cluster Approach to Economic Development  13. Putting Clusters in their Place  14. Postlude: The Future of the Cluster Concept

Bjorn Asheim is Professor of Economic Geography at the University of Lund, l#Ý