Title: Clusters, connections and competitiveness

Authors: Dale Anthony Littler

Addresses: University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, Manchester School of Management, Umist, P.O. Box 88, Manchester M60 1 QD, UK

Abstract: ||High|| technology firms are generally regarded as a critical component of the knowledge economy. Important questions are how can the birth and growth of these new technology based businesses (NTBs) be stimulated and how can such firms develop a sustainable competitive advantage? Given the importance of industrial clustering, the focus is on the relevance of ||clusters|| in promoting the emergence and development of NTB small and medium sized enterprises and how policies encouraging concentrations of NTBs affect their strategic management. The relevant issues are examined with the discussion informed by exploratory discussions with actors in European ||science||/||technological|| parks.

Keywords: clusters; new technology businesses; competitiveness; strategic management; innovation; competitive advantage; industrial clustering; SMEs; science parks; technology parks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2004.005484

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2004 Vol.4 No.4, pp.407 - 420

Published online: 12 Oct 2004 *

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