Title: The structure and evolution of knowledge clusters: a system perspective

Authors: Dian-Yan Liou, Justin D. Liou

Addresses: Department of Marketing and Logistics Management, Yu Da College of Business, 168 Shiue-Fu Road, Chao-Chiao, Miao-Li 361, Taiwan. ' Department of Electrical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 121 E.E. East, 16802, University Park, PA, USA

Abstract: As developing new products and processes in the knowledge-based economy, firms determine which activities they will undertake individually; in collaboration with other firms; in collaboration with universities or research institutions; and with the support of government. However, the relevant literature of cluster studies considers networks as a built-in component of these interfirm organisations, and by so doing it overlooks their identification. Therefore, they fail to articulate factors that lead firms to network. This study contributes to a better understanding of network formation by causal-loop diagrams to identify major roles among knowledge clusters and factors in enhancing firm innovative capacity.

Keywords: knowledge clusters; innovation networks; causal loop diagrams; knowledge economy; network formation; innovative capacity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2009.023378

International Journal of Technology Management, 2009 Vol.46 No.3/4, pp.307 - 325

Published online: 20 Feb 2009 *

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