This lucid and informative book analyzes the problem of clusters in
transition through studies of agglomerations at different stages of development in various
East Asian countries.
The contributors reconsider industrial cluster policy within a more dynamic and
long-term framework, and explore how regional transformations can bring new insights to
the theory of agglomeration and innovation. By identifying the factors and policies to
promote upgrading, the authors establish the theoretical and policy basis for transforming
industrial clusters from production-oriented to innovation-oriented agglomerations. They
also study the important structural changes in the region, such as FTAs and the role of
the WTO, and the consequent effects on clusters.
Researchers and students of Asian economics, industrial clusters and innovation will find
this incisive book invaluable. It will also prove to be a compelling read for policymakers
in developing countries or international development organizations.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Masatsugu Tsuji and Akifumi Kuchiki
PART I: BACKGROUND AND CIRCUMSTANCES
2. On the Sequence of Steps in Clustering Policy for Creating Spatial
Advantages
Akifumi Kuchiki and Toshitaka Gokan
3. Promoting Regional Integration through Industrial Cluster Policy in CLMV Cities
Akifumi Kuchiki
4. Export Processing Zones and the WTO SCM Agreement
Motoyoshi Suzuki
5. Thai Regional Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and their Effect on the Automotive
Industry in Thailand
Somrote Komolavanij, Chawalit Jeenanunta, Pornpimol Chongphaisal and Veeris Ammarapala
PART II: CLUSTER FORMATION FOR UPGRADING AND INNOVATION
6. Case Study of Laos: Prospects for a Vientiane Special Economic Zone
Motoyoshi Suzuki
7. Industrial Upgrading: Cluster Development in the Malaysian Electronics Industry
Saha Dhevan Meyanathan
8. The Interaction between the High-tech Industrial Cluster and its Surrounding
Universities: The Case of Wuhan ‘Optical Valley’ Industrial Cluster
Bei Hu and Rongzhi Liu
9. Interaction between Transnational Corporations and Local Government on Industry
Clusters in China: The Case of the Automobile Industry
Xiyou He
PART III: CLUSTERING AND INNOVATION
10. Effects of Technological Networks of Small and Medium-sized Firms on their
R&D Activities in Shihwa Industrial Complex, Korea: Toward Industrial Cluster
Formation and Regional Integration
Yoshihiro Kameyama
11. Agglomeration and Local Innovation Networks in Japanese SMEs: Analysis of the
Information Linkage
Masatsugu Tsuji and Syoichi Miyahara
Index
320 pages, Hardcover
