‘In the era of globalization, governance has become multi-level, from supra-national
bodies down to local organizations. This important book suggests that to promote cluster
development effectively, multi-level governance often requires an interaction between
top-down and bottom-up policies. Or at least, more adaptable coordination between levels
facilitates the fruitful co-evolution of policy at different governance levels, with firm
learning in clusters. It warrants attention from those interested in global governance
structures, as well as the dynamics of clusters.’
– John Cantwell, Rutgers University, US
‘There are numerous books on clusters but this is the first one on cluster policies. . .
this book shows how the real-world of policy-making takes place in multi-level and complex
frameworks, and that these frameworks are crucial for understanding different forms of
cluster policy design and performance. I commend the authors for their insight and effort
to assist in this difficult but necessary evolving process of understanding cluster policy
and governance in their dynamic and ever-changing context.’
– From the preface by Phil Cooke
This book provides a systematic, comprehensive, and independent comparative study
of cluster policies in Europe. It focuses upon one very important relationship that has so
far been neglected in the literature, namely, the extent to which the complex dynamics of
multi-level governance (MLG) are responding to the problems and challenges faced by
clusters, in particular the extent to which MLG learns and supports cluster learning.
A range of low-tech (footwear and clothing), medium-tech (furniture and film), and
high-tech (automotive and ICT) clusters at different evolutionary stages are studied in
Germany, Italy, the UK, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Romania. The book explores their
origins and evolution, firm configurations and interactions, knowledge sources, labour
markets, levels of internationalisation, and institutional and policy frameworks.
Utilising multiple-methods that combine quantitative and qualitative data collected
face-to-face from senior representatives of some 500 firms and institutions, the authors
provide an interdisciplinary analysis and precise policy recommendations at cluster,
regional, national, and EU levels.
Cluster Policies in Europe will be invaluable for policy makers, advisors and management
consultants in Europe and elsewhere. It will also prove essential for students and
scholars of international business and management, regional, institutional and industrial
economics, political economy, innovation, governance, and European studies.
Susana Borrás, Professor in Innovation and Governance, International
Centre for Business and Politics, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark and CIRCLE, Centre
for Innovation, Research and Competence in the Learning Economy, Lund University, Sweden
and Dimitrios Tsagdis, Lecturer in International Business and Research
Methods, Hull University Business School, UK
Table of Contents
1 Cluster policies in Europe : governance and learning 1
2 Methodology 29
3 Cluster policy in Germany 58
4 Cluster policy in the United Kingdom 88
5 Cluster policy in Italy 115
6 Cluster policy in Slovenia 144
7 Cluster policy in the Czech Republic 176
8 Cluster policy in Romania 211
9 Comparative findings and conclusions 243
References 269
Index 283
304 pages, Hardcover
