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The invisible college of cluster research: a bibliometric core–periphery analysis of the literature

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  • S.R. Sedita
  • A. Caloffi
  • L. Lazzeretti

Abstract

This paper explores the evolutionary trajectories of cluster research, building upon the sociology of science concept of the invisible college, and it undertakes a core–periphery analysis of the literature. We build a database that includes 8,381 articles, collected from Web of Science, that cite the foundational works of cluster research, and we perform a longitudinal analysis of its evolution from 1985 onward, identifying the core and periphery, in terms of keywords and concepts, for each period (six-year window). We find evidence that cluster research has a core–periphery structure. Literature develops thanks to new inputs from the periphery, which increases over time as the core progressively shrinks. The periphery becomes fragmented and is characterised by subgroups of small communities. Drawing on the metaphor of the invisible college, we argue that this evolutionary trajectory is not exclusive of the cluster but might possibly characterise other scientific concepts.

Suggested Citation

  • S.R. Sedita & A. Caloffi & L. Lazzeretti, 2020. "The invisible college of cluster research: a bibliometric core–periphery analysis of the literature," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(5), pages 562-584, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:indinn:v:27:y:2020:i:5:p:562-584
    DOI: 10.1080/13662716.2018.1538872
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    Cited by:

    1. Caloffi, Annalisa & Colovic, Ana & Rizzoli, Valentina & Rossi, Federica, 2023. "Innovation intermediaries' types and functions: A computational analysis of the literature," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    2. Martina Nannelli & Francesco Capone & Luciana Lazzeretti, 2022. "A bibliometric analysis on Artificial intelligence in Tourism. State of the art and future research avenues," Working Papers - Business wp2022_03.rdf, Universita' degli Studi di Firenze, Dipartimento di Scienze per l'Economia e l'Impresa.
    3. Silvia Blasi & Silvia Rita Sedita, 2022. "Mapping the emergence of a new organisational form: An exploration of the intellectual structure of the B Corp research," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 29(1), pages 107-123, January.
    4. Adem Sakarya, 2023. "Clustering potential of organized industrial zones in Türkiye," Asia-Pacific Journal of Regional Science, Springer, vol. 7(1), pages 255-276, March.

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