THE ROLE OF GOVERNANCE IN CLUSTER TYPOLOGIES: A MISSING LINK

Abstract

This paper contributes to the analysis of governance structures within clusters. Focus is on power relations shaping the evolution of clusters, and especially relations between multinational corporations (MNCs), local companies and local universities. The ultimate aim of the paper is to facilitate internationally comparative studies of cluster architectures and the main factors behind cluster evolution. A considerable amount of confusion is surrounding the definition and use of the term cluster. There are on the other hand only a rather limited amount of contributions to more systematic studies of typologies of clusters in the literature. Among these, power relations usually play only a minor or an implicit role. We start by giving a short overview of the literature on definitions and typologies of clusters. While there is a lack of focus on power in the literature on clusters and industrial districts, the literature dealing with global production networks (GPNs) has discussed power in relation to regional development. We therefore integrate the literature on GPNs in the discussion of cluster categories. A categorization of clusters is thereby developed focusing on the presence of MNC headquarters, MNC affiliates and local companies. We elaborate on this categorization by presenting a more systematic discussion of the role of power within clusters inspired from political science and sociology. This discussion builds on theoretical considerations and findings from case studies, which is presented in final part of the paper.

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