Clusters and regional development : critical reflections and explorations

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. As such, there is a need for a more thorough theoretical and empirical evaluation of the notion. This book fulfills that need, assessing the cluster notion and drawing out not only its undoubted strengths and attractions, but also its weaknesses and limitations. The editors have brought together a number of leading scholars who address key questions: How do we define and identify clusters? What is meant by 'cluster theory? What are the benefits of clusters? What are their disadvantages? How do clusters evolve? Do clusters improve regional innovativeness and competitiveness, and if so, in what ways? How do clusters relate to the globaleconomy? What are the limits of the cluster concept? What policy options are available to promote clusters? This critical examination of the Clusters concept will be important reading for economic geographers, economists, planners and policy makers.