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Conceptualizing Clusters as Dynamic and Path-Dependent Pools of Skills

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  • Edward Kasabov
  • Usha Sundaram

Abstract

Kasabov E. and Sundaram U. Conceptualizing clusters as dynamic and path-dependent pools of skills, Regional Studies. This paper conceptualizes clusters as pools of dynamic, path-dependent skills that sustain economic resilience, transformation and development. It draws on extensive archival, historical material and empirical findings from the city of Coventry, UK, to demonstrate the long-term nature and processes of skills accumulation, growth and development. This novel approach to theorizing and understanding clusters provides a critique of current cluster conceptualizations, and offers an alternative imaginary to understanding agglomerations of economic activity. The paper also highlights problems and failures in cluster development and their sustenance through a skills pool. It develops implications for the sustained nourishment and replenishment of skills and validates skills as a critical unit of observation and analysis of clusters. The paper provides a longitudinal, socio-historical account of clusters that morph and evolve over time through the reconfiguration of path-dependent skills in support of the conceptualization.

Suggested Citation

  • Edward Kasabov & Usha Sundaram, 2016. "Conceptualizing Clusters as Dynamic and Path-Dependent Pools of Skills," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 50(9), pages 1520-1536, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:taf:regstd:v:50:y:2016:i:9:p:1520-1536
    DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2015.1037826
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    Cited by:

    1. Karima Kourtit, 2017. "Effective Clusters as Territorial Performance Engines in a Regional Development Strategy - A Triple-Layer DEA Assessment of the Aviation Valley in Poland," REGION, European Regional Science Association, vol. 4, pages 39-63.
    2. Iammarino, Simona & Guy, Frederick & Filippetti, Andrea, 2019. "Regional disparities in the effect of training on employment," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 87466, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    3. Mariachiara Barzotto & Giancarlo CorĂ² & Ilaria Mariotti & Marco Mutinelli, 2019. "Ownership and workforce composition: a counterfactual analysis of foreign multinationals and Italian uni-national firms," Economia e Politica Industriale: Journal of Industrial and Business Economics, Springer;Associazione Amici di Economia e Politica Industriale, vol. 46(4), pages 581-607, December.

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