The dynamism of clustering: Interweaving material and discursive processes

Cluster renewal and the heterogeneity of extra-regional linkages: a study of MNC practices in a subsea petroleum cluster

“…Such self-reinforcing processes have been classified as path development, where, as time goes by, former choices influence current and future contingencies and scopes of action (Sydow, Schreyôgg, & Koch, 2009). Thus, the term path dependency refers to the process by which a cluster grows in step with its spatial environment, as an agglomeration follows a trajectory of decreasing contingencies leading to development of established practices, routines and institutional frameworks (Fløysand, Jakobsen, & Bjarnar, 2012). In many instances, this is a positive development.…”

“…It is also crucial if a cluster is to be established; cluster evolution requires that several firms and organizations develop in tune and that their activities are related and interlinked. This, in turn, leads to maturation and a distinct cluster profile and identity (Fløysand et al, 2012;Malmberg & Power, 2006). However, the path dependency along which a cluster evolves can become negative if its specialization becomes too rigid, i.e., that its profile becomes too narrow.…”

The economic features, internal structure and strategy of the emerging Portuguese maritime cluster

“…Fløysand et al (2012) based on two clusters within the Norwegian Centre of Expertise (the Møre maritime cluster and the Hordaland subsea cluster) focus on the type of development paths followed and conclude that there are two contradictory types of clusters: material or discursive constructions, whether they are triggered by ideas or by policy and industry practice. The Møre maritime cluster is characterized by bottom-up clustering processes and illustrates how the material practices of firms can trigger clustering processes such as the establishment of a cluster and the identification of a prototype of best cluster practice.…”

In the footprints of evolutionary economic geography

“…The articles in this special issue also draw attention to the role of socially constructed concepts in studies of economic landscapes, such as 'communities of practice' (Høvig 2016), 'fictive clusters' (Murray & Overton 2016), and 'measurements' of innovation (Cooke 2016). Thus, in addition to conceptualizing how organizations, networks, clusters, and innovation systems develop along different paths, this issue discusses the relational or discursive dimensions of evolutionary economic geography (Fløysand et al 2012;Kogler 2015).…”