Title: Indicators to support innovation cluster policy

Authors: David Arthurs, Erin Cassidy, Charles H. Davis, David Wolfe

Addresses: Hickling Arthurs Low Corporation, 150 Isabella Street, Suite 1300, Ottawa, K1S 1V7, Canada. ' Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, 111 Sussex Drive, Room SG-130, Ottawa ON, K1N 0G2, Canada. ' Rogers Communications Centre, Ryerson University, 80 Gould Street, Toronto, M5B 2K3, Canada. ' University of Toronto, 1 Devonshire Place, Toronto, M5S 3K7 Ontario, Canada

Abstract: The elaboration of a conceptually grounded, easily replicable set of indicators for gauging the current state and future prospects for innovation cluster development is an essential aid for policy makers and stakeholders. In this paper we propose a parsimonious, generic cluster framework comprising six constructs and 34 variables, and describe the process for applying the framework to the analysis of clusters. Finally, we summarise the results of an analysis of the current state of eight innovation cluster initiatives of the National Research Council of Canada. The framework and methodology have proven to be effective in analysing clusters quickly, consistently, and cost-effectively.

Keywords: innovation clusters; indicators; framework; policy; strategic planning; methodology; cluster analysis; Canada.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2009.023376

International Journal of Technology Management, 2009 Vol.46 No.3/4, pp.263 - 279

Published online: 20 Feb 2009 *

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