Definition and Key Concepts
One of the key issues in the study of enterprise clusters has been the accumulation and diffusion of knowledge. The companies do not innovate in isolation. They need external knowledge sources. For this reason, the companies that are within a cluster enjoy some advantages. Clusters of companies are characterized because they create connections that facilitate the exchange and diffusion of knowledge while maintaining the rivalry between companies. Internal competitiveness generates the need for continuous improvement. At the same time, the proximity between the members of the cluster allows the existence of formal and informal relationships. This favors the learning and transfer of knowledge through multiple channels. The knowledge is a source of innovation and leads to the growth of business productivity. In addition, the most innovative companies usually...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
References
Baptista R, Swann P. Do firms in clusters innovate more? Res Policy. 1998;27(5):525–40.
Eisingerich AB, Bell SJ, Tracey P. How can clusters sustain performance? The role of network strength, network openness, and environmental uncertainty. Res Policy. 2010;39(2):239–53.
Kraaijenbrink J, Wijnhoven F. Managing heterogeneous knowledge: a theory of external knowledge integration. Knowl Manag Res Pract. 2008;6(4):274–86.
Lima RHP, Carpinetti LCR. Analysis of the interplay between knowledge and performance management in industrial clusters. Knowl Manag Res Pract. 2012;10(4):368–79.
Porter ME. Clusters and the new economics of competition. Harv Bus Rev. 1998;76(6):77–90.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Section Editor information
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer Science+Business Media LLC
About this entry
Cite this entry
Diez-Martin, F., Blanco-González, A., Prado-Román, A. (2017). Cluster Innovation. In: Encyclopedia of Creativity, Invention, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6616-1_200018-1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-6616-1_200018-1
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4614-6616-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-4614-6616-1
eBook Packages: Springer Reference Business and ManagementReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences