Reflections on Cluster Policies

Steven Brakman (), Charles van Marrewijk and Charles van Marrewijk
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Charles van Marrewijk

No 3963, CESifo Working Paper Series from CESifo

Abstract: Economic activity tends to cluster. This results in productivity gains. For policy makers this offers an opportunity to formulate and promote policies that foster clustering of economic activity. Paradoxically, although agglomeration rents are often found in empirical research a rationale for cluster policies does not exist. A brief tour through the literature shows that cluster policies face more problems than is often assumed in policy circles. We reflect on the main issues at stake and conclude that, if not carefully applied, cluster policy may do more harm than good.

Keywords: economic clusters; regional policy; agglomeration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F40 F50 R50 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Journal Article: Reflections on cluster policies (2013)
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