Control by proximity: evidence from Aerospace Valley competitiveness cluster (In French)

The objective of this paper is to determine how the proximity in its various dimensions (geographical and organisational in particular) supports the relations of control between actors. Based on an empirical analysis of the network of collaboration of the competitiveness cluster Aerospace Valley, we propose indicators allowing to clarify this control. This analysis enables us to identify the actors in position to exert this control in the cluster. By using centrality indicators of the actors within the network, we could observe the position of control of certain establishments and groups in the cluster. We show that the historically central actors preserve the control of the relations within the cluster, characterized by a geographical proximity between the partners. We also show that major suppliers, such as Safran or Thales, exert a control more targeted through a strategic management of the collaborations portfolio of their establishments. Lastly, the public laboratories and the universities occupy a place of intermediary in the network of innovation.