Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
detail a certain type of regional economic development that is based on the factors
of regional competitiveness discussed above with special emphasis on innovation
and cooperation.
3.1 Introduction to the Cluster Concept
A cluster is composed of regional agglomerations of enterprises belonging to a
certain sector of economic activity. They are closely linked through supplier con-
nections. These connections offer a high potential for rationalization by the spe-
cialization of single enterprises in a certain element of production. However, those
interactions are not limited to the functional organization of the production process,
but explicitly include communication in the fields of research and development,
marketing, and even common strategic development measures. Regional actors and
institutions work through the informal exchange of knowledge and experiences on a
common problem. Apart from businesses, institutions of education, research and
development institutes, think tanks and technology centers play an important role,
as well as NGOs and cultural institutions. Their spatial proximity and their regional
context of social interaction is the basic prerequisite for successful clusters.
Michael Porter, through extensive research, came to the conclusion that eco-
nomic success does not occur in single industrial branches, but in clusters (Porter
1990
,
1998
,
2000
). These clusters are made up of actors from related branches and
subsectors. They are linked through vertical and horizontal, formal and informal
connections. Once a cluster has evolved, intensive exchange within the cluster
starts. This interaction leads through the diffusion of new technologies, increased
availability of trained specialists, rapid dissemination of innovations through the
channels of subcontractors and clients, to the discovery of new possibilities for
competitiveness and new market opportunities, and more. In an economically
successful region, established enterprises compete with each other. Thus, a reci-
procal strengthening system is created. The dynamics of the cluster on the one
hand sustains itself, but also provides prosperity and growth for the region.
3.2 Characteristics of Clusters
A cluster is not simply an accumulation of different actors of a certain economic
sector. Special conditions and frameworks help a successful cluster to evolve.
They are all related to the regional dimension:
• An
intensive
local
rivalry
for
gains
and
image;
this
leads
to
a
constant
improvement and diversification in products.
• The emergence of new enterprises on the market,
for example spin-offs,
enhances the dynamic competition.
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