Although clusters are regarded as important elements in economic development, the strong focus in the literature on the way clusters function is contrasted with a disregard for their evolutionary development: how clusters actually become clusters, how and why they decline, and how they shift into new fields and transform over time. Although recently new cluster life cycle approaches emerged, both empirical evidence and theoretical contributions on this topic are still limited. This book therefore contributes to broadening our knowledge on the life cycle and evolution of clusters both empirically and theoretically. It contains chapters on inter-firm relations as drivers of cluster transformation, as well as chapters on the heterogeneity of firms and firm capabilities during cluster evolution and on the role of institutions in stimulating the emergence and growth of clusters. Case-studies stem from different industries and technologies, such as biogas, film and television, new media and medical technologies, and from different countries, such as Sweden, Austria, Switzerland and South Korea. All chapters underline that cluster evolution does not only depend on internal dynamics, but that external relations are an integral part of cluster dynamics. This book was previously published as a special issue of European Planning Studies.

This book rigorously explores the critical, initial stage of cluster emergence in which the seeds for further growth are sown. Whether economic growth actually occurs, however, ultimately depends on various regional conditions and the processes in place.The contributors offer a broad spectrum of conceptual perspectives and empirical case studies on the regional factors and policies required for economic growth. They discuss the link between new clusters and established regional paths, the generation of institutions and endogenous dynamics, and the patterns of emergence and growth of successful clusters. A number of important questions are addressed, including: ? How do opportunities and crises influence cluster emergence? ? Is cluster emergence purely random or can it be planned? ? How can emerging clusters be identified and their growth patterns measured? ? How can regional policies support cluster emergence? Filling a gap in the literature on the actual genesis of clusters, this path-breaking book will prove a fascinating read for academics focusing on economics, geography, entrepreneurship, technological change and innovation, and regional studies.

Although clusters are regarded as important elements in economic development, the strong focus in the literature on the way clusters function is contrasted with a disregard for their evolutionary development: how clusters actually become clusters, how and why they decline, and how they shift into new fields and transform over time. Although recently new cluster life cycle approaches emerged, both empirical evidence and theoretical contributions on this topic are still limited. This book therefore contributes to broadening our knowledge on the life cycle and evolution of clusters both empirically and theoretically. It contains chapters on inter-firm relations as drivers of cluster transformation, as well as chapters on the heterogeneity of firms and firm capabilities during cluster evolution and on the role of institutions in stimulating the emergence and growth of clusters. Case-studies stem from different industries and technologies, such as biogas, film and television, new media and medical technologies, and from different countries, such as Sweden, Austria, Switzerland and South Korea. All chapters underline that cluster evolution does not only depend on internal dynamics, but that external relations are an integral part of cluster dynamics. This book was previously published as a special issue of European Planning Studies.