Global Networks and Local Linkages

"This volume presents the final case studies in the Innovation Systems Research Network's five-year investigation of 26 industry clusters across Canada. It describes clusters in regions as diverse as Toronto, Sudbury, and the Okanagan and in industries as varied as biotechnology, tool and die making, and mining services. Given their considerable differences in history, environment, and technology, it is not surprising that these case studies exhibit significant variation in institutional dynamics and knowledge and resource flows, two of the key variables of cluster vitality. These variations make it difficult to craft a single explanation of the clustering phenomenon or, moreover, a single definition of a cluster.

This volume offers an initial attempt to develop a meaningful cluster typology that accounts for fundamental differences in institutional linkages, knowledge dimensions, and stages of cluster growth."--Jacket.