Zugl.: Clausthal, Techn. Univ., Diss., 2007 / Hergestellt on demand

Over the past two decades, cluster policies have become a standard instrument of public authorities and economic development practitioners in many parts of the world. This paper takes a critical stance on this phenomenon and provides theoretical arguments that challenge the widespread application of cluster initiatives to promote long-term regional development. We distinguish between and compare two main bodies of thought: the neoclassical view and the agglomeration view. We show that there are no rationales for cluster policy from the perspective of neoclassical theory. The agglomeration view, in contrast, provides a convincing conceptual basis for justifying economic policies implemented in form of cluster initiatives. At the same time, however, it points to major problems related with the cluster policy approach. We identify and elaborate on three essential difficulties, i.e. the proper (1) targeting, (2) dosing, and (3) timing of cluster policy actions. We highlight that the problems related with these fundamental issues of each public initiative constitute powerful pitfalls and booby traps of cluster policies. (author's abstract) / Series: SRE - Discussion Papers

In recent years a move towards knowledge economies has been observed in many advanced countries. Knowledge based sectors and related activities have been expanding rapidly. However, the preconditions for developing such activities differ strongly between types of regions, depending on their location conditions, firm structure and institutional fabric. The regional innovation systems (RIS) approach captures such different settings in a useful way, allowing us to distinguish e.g. between well endowed and networked, fragmented and thin RIS. Using this approach we will study which conditions, potentials and barriers exist in different types of RIS for developing knowledge based industries and activities, and which routes and policy options might be adequate in different regional settings. We investigate these questions at first conceptually, drawing on the literature on RIS, and location and clustering of knowledge based sectors. Empirically we will present evidence on three regions in Austria (Vienna, Upper Austria and Salzburg) representing different types of RIS. Based on the conceptual findings we will compare these regions regarding their RIS characteristics, their preconditions for and strengths of knowledge based sectors focussing in particular on the ICT sector. Furthermore we will analyse routes and policy options for developing knowledge based sectors for such different types of regions. (author´s abstract) / Series: SRE - Discussion Papers

Zugl.: Sydney, Univ. of Western, Diss.

Zugl.: Chemnitz, Techn. Univ., Diss., 2008

Zugl.: Oestrich-Winkel, Europ. Business School, Diss., 2008

Zugl.: Hannover, Univ., Diss., 2010

Zugl.: Hannover, Universiẗat, Diss., 2007.

The environmental technology industry is considered to be a growing industry driven by urging climate-, energy- and waste problems and environmental regulation, among others. It seems, however, that not all locations and regions have the same preconditions for its emergence and growth. Based on regional economic, geographic and cluster theories it may be argued that particular factor- and demand conditions, regional industry structures and institutional configurations should play a role, but so far little is known on these aspects. This paper focuses on a region in Austria that appears to have a highly developed environmental technology industry and studies its characteristics and growth. We investigate the region of Upper Austria, where the environmental technology industry has evolved since the beginning of 1970s with roots in engineering, machinery, and instruments firms. The aim is to improve our understanding of the development of the environmental industry in the region and the factors and conditions affecting it. Characteristic changes of the cluster in relation to national level industry are addressed. The paper uses findings from national survey data (1993-2007) and exploratory interviews with local industry experts and stakeholders. The preliminary findings from our analyses suggest that Upper Austria´s environmental technology industry is characterized by higher growth relative to the national level. The region is also the dominant location in Austria in terms of number of firms and employees in this sector. The sector seems to benefit from existing industries and engineering competences in the region and is also supported by a number of organizations. Possible factors and conditions for understanding localized changes are explored underpinning these cluster life cycle changes. (author's abstract) / Series: SRE - Discussion Papers

Universiẗat, Diss.--Klagenfurt.