商品簡介
Over the past decade the `cluster model' has been seized on as a tool for promoting competitiveness, innovation and growth at local, regional and national scales. However, despite its popularity there is much about the cluster model 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 fulfils 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 several 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 competitivaness, and if so, in what ways? How do clusters relate to the global economy? 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
作者簡介
Bjorn Asheim is Professor of Economic Geography at the University of Land Sweden, and Professor at the Centre of Technology, Innovation, and Culture, University of Oslo His research interests include International comparisons of creative cities, clusters and regional innovation systems
Philip Cooke is University Research Professor and founding Director of the Centre for Advanced Studies, University of Wales, Cardiff His research interests lie in studies of economics of biotechnology, regional innovation systems, knowledge economies, and policy actions for business clusteis and networks
Ron Martin is Professor of Economic Geography and Fellow of the Cambridge-MIT Institute at the University of Cambridge. His research covers the theory and empirics of regional growth and competitiveness, local labour markets, the geographies of money and finance, and the spatial evolution of the `new economy'
