The anatomy of clusters: definitions, typologies and characteristics

Arkadiusz Michał Kowalski ()

Chapter 2 in Clusters and Cluster Policy Models, 2025, pp 31-64 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Chapter 2 investigates the multifaceted nature of clusters by providing a comprehensive outline of their definitions, typologies, characteristics, and roles in driving competitiveness and innovation within global economic systems, and is an essential analytical toolkit for understanding clusters’ complexities and broad applicative potential in enhancing global competitiveness. The diversity of clusters is shown by presenting different typologies based on primary characteristics, such as their industrial focus or stage of development. The chapter integrates clusters into economic policy. Recognising the “fuzziness” of cluster definitions, it highlights the spectrum of policies – from non-existent to interventionist – that various governments might adopt based on their involvement with cluster development. It explains that while clusters are increasingly vital instruments for enhancing economic competitiveness, there is no standard cluster policy applicable globally. The chapter also addresses the twin transition of clusters toward green and digital transformations, demonstrating their essential roles in promoting sustainable and digitally advanced economies.

Keywords: Cluster typologies; Competitiveness; Innovation systems; Coopetition; Cluster policy; Twin transition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035333974
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.elgaronline.com/doi/10.4337/9781035333981.00010 (application/pdf)
Our link check indicates that this URL is bad, the error code is: 403 Forbidden

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:elg:eechap:23388_3

Ordering information: This item can be ordered from
http://www.e-elgar.com

Access Statistics for this chapter

More chapters in Chapters from Edward Elgar Publishing
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Jack Sweeney ().