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Cluster Dynamics

Project Background: Exploring Cluster Dynamics International Study

One of the issues encountered by many public sector bodies when developing a clusters strategy is that much analysis of the industry sectors only gives a "snap shot" of how the cluster operates. Often it is the system dynamics that have a bigger influence on success or otherwise on the sector, i.e. How organisations and individuals work together. Scottish Enterprise (SE) worked with system thinking experts to bring this methodology into an understanding of clusters development. The outcome of this work was a five stage theoretical model that helped explain how a successful cluster might develop and the changes in behaviour and company interaction that might be seen at each stage. This has been turned into a practical tool for cluster managers to assess where they are in the process.

One challenge to the model was that it may just portray a specifically Scottish process of cluster development. In order to further test the model, and to explore its more general applicability, SE wanted to share this methodology with other like-minded economic development agencies working to support clusters in their countries and regions and research the results across these different contexts. The first stage of this was to present the model and initial findings at TCI 2007 Conference in Portland.

 

TCI Conference, Portland 2007. Cluster practitioners agree to work together and move forward.

The presentation drew wide interest and expressions of interest in becoming involved in further discussions were received from a wide range of geographies (including Denmark, Canada, Finland, California and Sweden). These partners are now carrying out similar studies with clusters in their geographies using the same methodology. The group convened to have 2 meetings a year, one of which will coincide with the TCI Annual Global Conference, to compare results and share learning. So far, the group met in:

 

What's going on now?

This initiative is continuing and growing. New partners like Innovation Norway joined the network and added to the existing case studies i.e. California, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland.  In addition to those who are experienced in using the cluster dynamics model developed by Scottish Enterprise, new partners who are about to try it for the first time will also participate. Some items in the programme:

  • The cluster dynamics study
  • Case stories
  • Reports from the clusters engaged in the study (e.g. The Paper Province and Triple Steelix)
  • Overall discussion about measurement (i.e. how do partners work with this in different countries)
  • What will happen next within the network (e.g. international challenges)

 

If you are interested in joining this work group, participating in this study or you want to learn more about it please contact Madeline Smith at madeline.smith@ekos.co.uk