Title: Shared cluster resources as a source of core capabilities

Authors: Nuno César Cardeal; Celine Abecassis-Moedas; Nelson Santos António

Addresses: CATÓLICA LISBON, School of Business and Economics, Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Palma de Cima 1649-023 Lisboa, Portugal ' CATÓLICA LISBON, School of Business and Economics, Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Palma de Cima 1649-023 Lisboa, Portugal ' ISCTE-IUL, Avenida Forças Armadas, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal

Abstract: Literature on clusters acknowledges the existence of resources that are shared by firms in the same cluster. The literature on dynamic capabilities argues that in the context of capability development, firms need to develop different business models and to define their firm boundaries in complementary ways. We use a multiple case study approach to analyse how three small- and medium-sized firms belonging to the same cluster but with different business models have been using cluster resources. We find that the some resources are not used in the same way nor for the same purpose. Our inductive investigation leads to two propositions: shared resources that are used the same way by all the cluster firms are not a source of core capabilities to the firms; and shared resources that are used differently by the firms in the cluster are a source of dynamic capabilities which have an impact on the business model.

Keywords: cluster resources; industrial clusters; dynamic capabilities; footwear industry; industrial districts; strategic management; core capabilities; resource sharing; small business; case study; business models; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2014.057915

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2014 Vol.21 No.1, pp.55 - 78

Published online: 31 May 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article