Title: Forms and role of cluster initiatives in fostering innovation in post-industrial regions: a comparative study of environmental technologies clusters in the British West Midlands and the Spanish Basque Country

Authors: Elias G. Carayannis, Iwona Borowik

Addresses: Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, European Union Research Centre (EURC), Global and Entrepreneurial Finance Research Institute (GEFRI), School of Business, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA. ' International Policy and Partnerships Group, The World Bank, 1818 H Street, NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA

Abstract: The paper compares approaches to cluster development initiatives in post-industrial regions with emphasis on their role in regional development through innovative and competitive enterprises. The study focuses on two environmental technologies clusters: Environmental Technologies Cluster in the British West Midlands and ACLIMA cluster in the Spanish Basque Country. The study compares clusters| heterogeneity, goals and priorities, financing schemes, management structure, character of private-public partnerships, challenges, and collaboration networks at regional, national and international level. Also, an emphasis is given to how clusters enhance the level of innovation and what project types are promoted and realised by respective regions in the field of environmental industry. The study concludes with observations and recommendations on cluster policy design to policymakers and the private sector in regions facing similar economic challenges. The study is based on desk research and interviews with policy makers and cluster managers in the analysed regions.

Keywords: innovation networks; environmental technologies; technology clusters; regional development; post-industrial regions; West Midlands; Basque Country; UK; United Kingdom; Spain; cluster development; cluster heterogeneity; cluster goals; cluster priorities; financing schemes; management structure; private-public partnerships; PPPs; collaboration networks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIRD.2011.040525

International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development, 2011 Vol.3 No.3/4, pp.222 - 253

Published online: 29 Nov 2014 *

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