Edward Elgar Publishing The Economics of Regional Clusters: Networks, Technology and Policy (New Horizons in Regional Science series)

Product Description This important book takes a critical view on regional industry clusters, in particular their identification and formation, and the policies which help create and support them. The distinguished international contributors comprehensively discuss the theoretical and empirical issues concerning clusters and cluster policy from a regional economic perspective. Based on a broad range of methods, the authors derive results about the existence and structure of regional industrial clusters and assess their contribution to the development of regions. As a whole, the book examines the hyperbole that often surrounds clusters by employing sound scientific evidence and rigorous analysis. Academics and advanced students of regional science, regional economics and economic geography will find the academic discussion of spatial concentrations of economic activities to be of much interest. Policymakers will also appreciate the critical approach taken towards the currently fashionable cluster policy. Review '. . . this book will be of greatest interest to empirical researchers who wish to stay up-to-date with the recent work from both sides of the Atlantic. The blend of methods, empirics, and policy will also be of value to researchers that are interested in understanding the policy context of their research.' -- Henry Renski, Review of Regional Studies About the Author Edited by Uwe Blien, Institute for Employment Research and Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Germany and Gunther Maier, WU Wien, University of Economics and Business, Austria