Cluster dynamics : an investigation of cluster drivers and barriers across a cluster life cycle

Abstract

This study explores the dynamism of clusters through an investigation of cluster drivers, cluster barriers and their inter-relationships across a cluster life cycle. The appearance of clustering in academic literature has increased over recent years, with a diverse range of disciplines adding to the ongoing development of cluster theory (Cruz and Teixeira 2010). Despite the influx of opinion and practice pertaining to clusters, cluster theory does not adequately take into account the dynamic and evolving nature of clusters. For example, discussion of cluster drivers and barriers generally look at isolated events with little investigation into the cause of cluster drivers and barriers, and there is a lack of consideration given to the inter-relationship between cluster drivers and / or barriers. Much of the cluster literature overlooks the possibility that cluster drivers and barriers may change over a cluster life cycle and that such changes may have an influence on the overall success of the cluster. In the event that cluster drivers and barriers do change over time, acknowledging and understanding this would provide a significant difference to the way in which clusters are managed. This thesis seeks to challenge the traditional view of clusters by investigating the inter-relationships of cluster drivers and cluster barriers across the life cycle of the Aerospace Tooling Cluster which formed within Australia's aerospace industry.

Date of Award	2013
Original language	English