Evolution and Innovation of Industrial Clusters Based on Network Structure Perspective

Author: Xia Lan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: Based on a review of existing literature on clusters, the author examines the evolution and innovation of industrial clusters from the perspective of network structures. Additionally, industrial clusters are viewed as complex network organizations, which are divided into three mutually coupled subsystems—divisional networks, transaction networks, and social networks—based on different functions. On this foundation, the growth conditions of cluster network organizations are dynamically analyzed. The author proposes that the foundation of industrial cluster evolution and innovation lies in a hierarchical structure as a form of "internal stability" and conducts an analysis of the internal and external connection methods of this hierarchical structure from vertical, horizontal, and cross perspectives. Furthermore, the expansion mechanism of the cluster hierarchical structure from the inside out is further analyzed. After theoretical elaboration, the book provides corresponding evidence from an empirical perspective by combining cases and econometric tests. In the econometric tests, several variables representing network structure characteristics are selected, and combined with the previously proposed classification of three coupled functional subsystems, regression analysis is conducted on the variables. The book also proposes major policy recommendations for the development of industrial clusters. Striving to research industrial development issues with new perspectives, new viewpoints, and new approaches, the book not only emphasizes empirical analysis of cases but also focuses on the induction and advancement of theory in the systematic analysis of industrial cluster phenomena.