Year: 2009
Type: article
Abstract: In this theoretical essay we discuss knowledge and innovation in clusters and the benefi ts of clustering from a knowledge-based perspective.Knowledge-based resources and innovations are important sources of competitive advantage for fi rms.Aware of the importance of continuously seeking new knowledge, fi rms increasingly seek knowledge-rich locations such as specifi c industry clusters across the world.These locations are characterized by the concentration of fi rms operating in related and supporting activities, a specialized work force and a specialized institutional environment that nurtures the industry.However, it is not likely that these clusters are always locations from which the fi rms will be able to draw the intended knowledge benefi ts.The social structure of the relationships between individuals and fi rms determines the extent to which knowledge will be created, will fl ow between co-located fi rms and will bound the knowledge benefi ts fi rms may capture.We fi nish with a discussion of the need of further examination of the network dynamics involved in an industry cluster to obtain a clearer identifi cation of the actual positive externalities that may accrue to co-locating fi rms.
Authors: Manuel Ferreira, Fernando Serra
Language: Portuguese
Subfield: Development
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2117754536