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Do Clusters Make a Difference? Defining and Assessing their Economic Performance

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  • Gregory Spencer
  • Tara Vinodrai
  • Meric Gertler
  • David Wolfe

Abstract

Spencer G. M., Vinodrai T., Gertler M. S. and Wolfe D. A. Do clusters make a difference? Defining and assessing their economic performance, Regional Studies. This paper contributes to the literature on cluster dynamics by developing a new methodology for identifying clusters that is not dependent on United States-based definitions. This methodology is used to test if the geographical clustering of economic activities leads to superior industrial performance and regional competitiveness. The analysis produces two important findings. First, when industries locate in an urban region with a critical mass of related industries, they tend to generate both higher incomes and rates of employment growth. Second, the overall prevalence of clustering within a city-region is positively associated with income levels and employment growth. [image omitted] Spencer G. M., Vinodrai T., Gertler M. S. et Wolfe D. A. Les grappes, qu'est-ce qu'elles changent? Definir et evaluer leur performance economique, Regional Studies. Cet article cherche a contribuer a la documentation sur la dynamique des grappes en developpant une nouvelle methodologie qui identifie les grappes et qui ne depend pas des definitions americaines. On se sert de cette methodologie afin d'evaluer si, oui ou non, le regroupement geographique des activites economiques entraine une meilleure performance industrielle et une competitivite regionale accrue. Il s'avere deux conclusions importantes. Primo, au moment ou les industries s'installent dans une zone urbaine dotee d'un nombre critique d'industries qui s'y rattachent, elles ont tendance a creer a la fois des revenus et des taux de croissance de l'emploi plus eleves. Secundo, la tendance globale au regroupement au sein d'une cite-region est etroitement liee au niveau des revenus et a la croissance de l'emploi. Grappes Emplacement industriel Competitivite Performance economique Amenagement du territoire Canada Spencer G. M., Vinodrai T., Gertler M. S. und Wolfe D. A. Machen Cluster einen Unterschied? Definition und Bewertung ihrer Wirtschaftsleistung, Regional Studies. In diesem Beitrag zur Literatur uber Cluster-Dynamik entwickeln wir eine neue Methodologie zur Identifizierung von Clustern unabhangig von den Definitionen der USA. Anhand dieser Methodologie uberprufen wir, ob die geografische Ballung wirtschaftlicher Aktivitaten zu einer uberlegenen industriellen Leistung und regionalen Wettbewerbsfahigkeit fuhrt. Unsere Analyse fuhrt zu zwei wichtigen Ergebnissen. Erstens: Wenn sich Branchen in einer urbanen Region mit einer kritischen Masse zugehoriger Branchen ansiedeln, erzeugen sie tendenziell hohere Einkommen und Raten von Beschaftigungswachstum. Zweitens: Die generelle Pravalenz von Clustern innerhalb einer Stadtregion hangt positiv mit der Einkommenshohe und dem Beschaftigungswachstum zusammen. Cluster Industriestandort Konkurrenzfahigkeit Wirtschaftsleistung Regionale Wirtschaftsentwicklung Kanada Spencer G. M., Vinodrai T., Gertler M. S. y Wolfe D. A. ¿Marcan las aglomeraciones una diferencia? Definicion y valoracion del rendimiento economico, Regional Studies. En este articulo contribuimos a la literatura sobre las dinamicas de aglomeracion al desarrollar una nueva metodologia para identificar las aglomeraciones que no depende de las definiciones que proceden de los Estados Unidos. Mediante esta metodologia comprobamos si es posible obtener mejoras en el rendimiento industrial y la competitividad regional con una aglomeracion geografica de las actividades economicas. Nuestro analisis arroja dos importantes resultados. Primero: cuando las industrias estan ubicadas en un region urbana con una masa critica de industrias relacionadas, tienden a generar tanto ingresos mas altos como tasas superiores de crecimiento de empleo. Segundo: la prevalencia general de aglomeracion en una region metropolitana esta positivamente asociada a niveles de ingresos y crecimiento de empleo. Aglomeraciones Ubicacion industrial Competitividad Rendimiento economico Desarrollo economico regional Canada

Suggested Citation

  • Gregory Spencer & Tara Vinodrai & Meric Gertler & David Wolfe, 2010. "Do Clusters Make a Difference? Defining and Assessing their Economic Performance," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 44(6), pages 697-715.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:regstd:v:44:y:2010:i:6:p:697-715
    DOI: 10.1080/00343400903107736
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    1. Christian DeBresson, 1996. "Economic Interdependence and Innovative Activity," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 870.
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