Geographic ‘clustering’ in the German opto electronics industry

Robert Hassink and Michelle Wood

Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, 1998, vol. 10, issue 4, 277-296

Abstract: The dynamics of industrial clustering and its implications for regional development present important challenges for research in economic geography. Awareness of the potential economic and innovative benefits from the geographic ‘clustering’ of firms in related industries is longstanding. In turn, the means of aiding and promoting such clustering forms an important focus for government agencies and other support organizations. This paper aims to explore these issues by drawing on empirical evidence from the opto--electronics industry in Germany. In sum, the paper argues that, indeed, there appears to be geographic clustering in the opto--electronics industry in Germany, notably in the region of Thuringia, around Jena, and in the Munich area. The contrasting experiences of Jena and Munich suggest, however, that geographic clustering in high--technology industry does not necessarily lead to R&D collaboration and innovation. Further, in--depth research is required to determine the conditions under which geographic clustering is beneficial to innovation.

Date: 1998
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DOI: 10.1080/08985629800000016

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