Cluster Economics: Elements for Program Evaluation

This paper discusses the main ideas of the cluster literature and the more established modern economic thought. Based on the economic analysis, it proposes an evaluation methodology with a strong emphasis on the economic impact of the programs. The paper provides an additional set of indicators that are intended to uncover the performance indicators' angle of the problem, borrowing heavily from research done elsewhere. The paper provides concrete guidelines to field-researchers and evaluators and concludes by summarizing the main features shared by seven IDB cluster programs.