 | Title: All That Clusters is Not Gold: Evidence from the New Zealand Forest Products Industry
Abstract: Business clusters have been viewed as a substantial source of competitive advantage. This has encouraged many efforts to promote enterprise development through support to business cluster groups. Four such cluster initiatives based in the New Zealand timber industry are examined. The forest products industry was chosen for the study as this industry has produced cluster projects in different regions and because firms in this industry have a range of network opportunities as well as the cluster group. This gives opportunity to assess the particular significance of clusters versus other forms of collective association. Two of the four groups are shown to have achieved some impact on business development and have sustained the support of enterprise owners. Two groups have failed to become significant and have lost participation. Participants in each cluster project were interviewed using structured and semi structured questions to determine the reason for these different outcomes. The attributes of the more successful clusters are identified related to: (i) the mix of enterprise types; (ii) the expected outcomes from participation; (iii) the business relationships between cluster participants. These characteristics lead to the development of two models of enterprise activity conducive to cluster formation. Each model has different implications for the potential impact of a cluster on enterprise growth. These findings raise a number of challenges for the advocacy of business clusters as a tool for enhancing business competitiveness.
Conference Presentation |
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| Title: Beyond Clusters - Collaborative Commerce and Clustering
Abstract: Recent studies regarding industry and regional competition have demonstrated the benefits of inter-firm co-operation and networking by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as they form alliances and partnerships to compete in an increasingly Information Technology (IT) enabled global world.
Collaborative commerce (c-commerce) is one type of alliance, and some argue it is the next stage in electronic business (e-business). Given local and regional government interest in encouraging SMEs to participate in electronic commerce (e-commerce) this paper addresses the ability of SMEs to engage in c-commerce and the reasons they may consider same.
Clusters provide a concentration of related and supporting industries to engage collectively in markets. They create an environment where governments can foster natural relationships and utilise existing collaborations to encourage c-commerce adoption. This facilitates an exchange of ideas and knowledge, the transfer of technology and promotes product and market development. In this way clusters and c-commerce are related, though further research as to their relationship is required.
This paper overviews collaborative networks, including c-commerce, and investigates different types of clusters |
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| Title: Biotechnology Cluster Development Factors and Implications for Policy
Abstract: This paper focuses on factors that lead to successful biotechnology cluster development in an Australian regional context. Two propositions are developed, namely: Proposition 1: The cluster is in Phase A of cluster development. Proposition 2: Cluster characteristics are indicative of clusters based around vertical supply chains, such as hub, satellite, R&D and state anchored industrial districts. Implications of cluster development for legislators, institutions, SMEs and individuals are discussed.
Conference Presentation |
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 | Title: BrisIndustry Cluster Program
Abstract: BrisIndustry has proven successes over 3 years since inception as a division within the Economic Development framework of Brisbane City Council. Clusters have been predominately industry driven and location based clusters identified through local mapping of regions across Greater Brisbane.
The presentation will showcase the clusters including; aviation, education, creative industries, tourism and the ICT Industries to name a few in addition to super cluster arrangements and sustainability issues, strategies and solutions. |
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| Title: Can Knowledge Management Save Regional Development?
Abstract: Australia needs to create innovative regions to sustain economic prosperity and regional development. In order to do this, regions will need to systematically address their knowledge needs and identify tools that are appropriate in maximising their effectiveness. Many initiatives have focused on information and communication technology (ICT) to enable knowledge exchange and stimulate knowledge generation, but active knowledge management (KM) strategies are required if ICTs are to be used effectively. These strategies must respond to the regional economic and social environments which incorporate small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This paper outlines the importance of KM for supporting regional cluster development and the key ways in which communities of practice (CoPs), a KM technique, have been used to add value in similar contexts. How CoPs and their online counterpart, virtual communities of practice (VCoPs), can be used and developed in regional areas of Australia is considered along with a program for further research.
Conference Presentation |
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| Title: Cluster Measurement and Benchmarking
Abstract: Drawing on extensive academic research and theory on clusters and their analysis, the methodology employed in this pilot study (sponsored by the Welsh Assembly Government |
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| Title: Clusters and Competitive Advantage - The Victorian Experience
Abstract: This paper argues that clustering is a key policy tool for "the times". The paper discusses the facilitative and catalytic role of Government in cluster development with reference to OECD experience, and contrasts this approach with both traditional notions of highly interventionist industry policy, and the "hands off" approach to industry development.
The focus of the paper is on the Victorian Government |
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| Title: Collaboration and Clusters: Sustaining Efficiency and Effectiveness
Abstract: Clusters are an established economic development tool. They create collaboration leading to lower transaction costs and more efficient public decisions and they impose costs of time and resources, and continued facilitation.
The benefits of clusters include public and non-excludable goods for which cluster members are not rewarded. Key problems in collaboration among firms in competitive markets include private and public underinvestment in facilitation leading to fragmentation and inefficiency in cluster facilitation.
The growth and spillover benefits of clusters arise in the long term. Clusters with long term facilitation support have delivered significant measurable benefits in several industries including food, defence and water.
Conference Presentation |
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| Title: Far North Queensland: Managing multi-cluster portfolios to build regional competitiveness
Abstract: CREDC is an industry driven membership based and cluster focussed regional economic development organisation that has achieved state and national based recognition for its work in cluster development with the strong support of the region's Area Consultative Committee. CREDC is an umbrella body, which provides a legal framework and support structure for regional clusters. CREDC has adopted a cluster based approach to economic development for the past 8 years. It operates much like you would imagine a cluster incubator would work. |
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| Title: Helping small companies with a light hand: Strategies for tertiary education institutions
Abstract: New Zealand companies are predominantly small or medium sized enterprises. Clusters models are included in economic development strategies in many regions. Many clusters have an underlying layer of very small companies that are not yet involved formally in the cluster, although personal and other connections may be present.
New Zealand tertiary education organisations (TEOs) are linked with industry and business through a wide range of activities including networking, curriculum consultation, student projects and post-graduate research and development. Many organisations have direct connections and working arrangements with clusters and cluster companies. The challenge for clusters and TEOs is the initiation and management of interaction with very small companies that are pre-cluster but that have been identified as having high potential to add more value to existing cluster groupings.
Some strategies to support and mentor very small companies |
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| Title: ICT in Clusters can lead to participation and real returns
Abstract: This paper presents a anecdote of Realestateview, which is an internet portal used by real estate agents to process and advertise properties for sale and lease. The functionality of the site and the benefits offered to the stakeholders is the reason for its success at gaining support from agents, buyers and sellers. The benefits offered to agents has resulted in |
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| Title: Innovation Systems and Clusters Programme For Eastern Africa
Abstract: This paper gives a background of how the Innovation Systems and Clusters Programme for Eastern Africa (ISCP-EA) was initiated. It also presents a progress report on activities based on an Action Plan, which is a road map for the implementation of the Programme. Challenges and constraints that are likely to be encountered in the formation, implementation and growth of innovation systems and clusters are highlighted. Consequently mitigating strategic measures to enable the programme to take root in the region are proposed.
Conference Presentation |
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| Title: Mapping Industry Clusters in the Digital Economy
Abstract: This paper examines the methodology employed in a project undertaken in Western Australia to identify and map the existence of industry clusters within the creative digital industries. Utilising a standard industry concentration and location quotient technique, the study team identified above average industry and employment concentrations in 59 selected industries considered to have high levels of digital content intensity. The study found industry and employment concentrations in seven key areas: i) spatial sciences; ii) engineering; iii) construction; iv) education and training; v) creative; vi) media and vii) medical science. These were then grouped into two potential industry clusters. The first focused on the Digital Spatial Industries and the second on the Digital Creative Industries. Analysis of longitudinal data sets found emerging and established industry segments within these two clusters and case study and survey findings identified issues facing businesses within these sectors. These findings point to the need for cluster development to be based on both statistical foundations from established employment and industry data sets, and an in-depth assessment of the activities at the business unit level gathered through survey and case studies.
Conference Presentation |
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| Title: Measuring relationships within a fine art cluster under conditions of dislocation
Abstract: Business relationships and activities will be mapped to establish the functional characteristics of the fine art industry cluster of which the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has long been the dominant figure. Many of the core activities of the NGV have been severely disrupted between 1999 and 2003 due to refurbishment. This circumstance has made it possible to examine and determine the effects of dislocation of the dominant member on the way a cluster functions. This research will provide information on how fine arts businesses, including some that are competitors, interrelate, and how and to what extent a previously dominant member can reinstate its position after a period of dislocation.
This research project employs a longitudinal design so that cluster functioning and level of innovation can be compared before, during, and after disruption of the NGV |
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| Title: Measuring the National Research Council
Abstract: The National Research Council (NRC) is the Government of Canada |
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| Title: Preliminary analysis on the development of a cluster within the mining and engineering sector in the Orange, Cabonne, and Blayney region
Abstract: Research funded by the Orange, Cabonne, and Blayney local government areas (OCB) and the NSW Department of State and Regional Development has suggested some potential for industry-based clusters to promote sustainable regional development. Industry sectors included in the research were environmental services, mining and engineering, transport and logistics, and viticulture. The scope of the research included identifying skill strengths and gaps, examining the recruitment and retention of labour, and classifying existing relationships between sector participants.
The research recommended that the OCB region had an opportunity to develop a successful cluster that could build upon the existing strengths of the region, initially aim to address existing limitations, and support developments that build upon existing strengths and opportunities. The project team is currently conducting a pilot study within the mining and engineering industry sector in the OCB region in response to the above recommendations. The aim is the examination of the potential of a cluster model relationship within the sector, and identifying existing strengths, limitations and existing relationships within the sector.
The pilot study has two-stages. The first stage involves a survey of 43 participants within the sector. This involves examining the regional sector, the inter-sector and intra-sector relationships, strengths and limitations of existing sector participants, current and future workforce issues (i.e. skill shortages, vacancies, training, retention, etc.), existing industry networks, and future network opportunities. Analysis of these results in consultation with available literature will lead to the recommendation of a preferred cluster model and the potential role of sector participants and stakeholders |
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| Title: Regional Economic Development: Exploring the
Abstract: Porter |
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| Title: Small and Medium Enterprises Clustering and Collaborative Commerce
Abstract: This paper deals with the social psychology associated with networks of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), especially from the perspective of social identity theory. The focus is on collaborative networks of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and collaboration around information technology (IT) which is known as collaborative commerce or c-commerce.
Since little research regarding this aspect of social psychology has been undertaken with respect to collaborative business networks this paper raises issues and seeks to clarify them in the business context. Further research is required to further investigate how social identity theory |
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| Title: Small Business Clustering: Accessing Knowledge through Local Networks
Abstract: Over the last decade there has been considerable interest and activity in clustering and the concomitant link to regional development. In the world economy small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are now recognised as playing a pivotal role in regional economic sustainability and growth, yet there is relatively little research that examines SME clustering processes, and in particular the nature of knowledge creation in local/regional SME networks. This paper discusses the topic of small business clustering and local network knowledge transfer. It outlines some of the key literature on clustering within a regional development context and discusses the implications on industry and place vis- |
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| Title: The Role of Small Business Clusters in Prioritising Barriers to E-commerce Adoption: A Study of Swedish Regional SMEs
Abstract: Despite government initiatives, studies show that SME still fail to realise the benefits of E-commerce adoption. This paper extends existing research by showing that the barriers to E-commerce adoption can be grouped according to two distinct factors: the difficulty of implementing E-commerce and the unsuitability of E-commerce to the business. The paper also shows that the relative importance of these two factors is affected by membership/non-membership of a small business cluster.
Conference Presentation |
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| Title: The Savannah Way Visitor Information Centre Cluster
Abstract: The Savannah Way Cluster/network is currently being set up from Cairns to Broome. The Savannah Way Steering Committee is committed to promoting the themed route and its significance for the small communities of far northern Australia.
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| Title: The Spatial Expression of Complex Linkages in the Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing Cluster in Southeast Melbourne
Abstract: Economic development practitioners have embraced industry clusters, as they transfer theory to policy and development initiatives. Much of the policy application assumes economic competitiveness enhancements will accrue if local inter-firm linkages between cluster members are strengthened.
This research explores multi-dimensional nature of inter-firm linkages in terms of their geographic coverage, complexity, effectual means and evolutionary period. It then attempts to measure inter-firm linkages with respect to one of these dimensions, i.e. |
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| Title: Using cluster theory as the lens through which the results of government funded online service initiatives can be examined
Abstract: This paper has been drawn from a larger study which encompassed two main themes |
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