This compilation of papers from a researchproject funded by the German Ministry provides a political perspective andunifying concept of how local industrial clusters can be strengthenedbypolicy measures.The chapters in Part I cover theoretical approaches, thechapters in Part II present case...

We present a model that explains how a cluster moves through a life cycle and why this movement differs from the industry life cycle. The model is based on three key processes: the changing heterogeneity in the cluster describes the movement of the cluster through the life cycle; the geographical...

This book rigorously explores the critical, initial stage of cluster emergence in which the seeds for further growth are sown. Whether economic growth actually occurs, however, ultimately depends on various regional conditions and the processes in place. The contributors offer a broad spectrum...