Industry clusters across national borders: literature review and research deficits

Industry clusters have been discussed in different research disciplines. They are often perceived as a tool to stimulate regional growth, as their integration into the business development of the European Union indicates. Many initiatives try to strengthen border regions - frequently described as economically weak areas - by fostering clusters across national borders. These clusters should generate an added value for border regions, although various factors, such as legal and cultural differences, might hinder cluster development and limit its potential added value. The aim of this article is to compile and review relevant literature. It serves as a fruitful starting point for future investigations of cross-border clusters. Existing research approaches on cross-border clusters are pointed out and complemented by literature about cross-border regional innovation systems. Subsequently, research deficits and suggestions for further investigations are identified. In fact, the review indicates that there is still insufficient literature regarding cross-border clusters. This topic deserves further studies in order to foster the economic development of border regions effectively.