A Life Cycle for Clusters? The Dynamics of Agglomeration, Change, and Adaption

rium states but on the development process following an external shock, Kerstin Press adopts a new methodological approach. She develops a theoretic model of clusters, change and adaptation that is based on the N/K model of complex s- tems (Kauffman 1993). Taking the existing insight on the dynamics of N/K s- tems, propositions on the influence of cluster architecture on adaptability are - rived. In a second step, these propositions are tested by simulations comparing the adaptability of clusters with given differences in their architecture regarding the degree of division of labour on the one and the governance structure on the other hand. Both aspects (division of labour, governance) were found to matter for cl- ter adaptability in previous empirical studies but general causalities for their role in cluster adjustment could not be derived from individual case studies. Within the all else held equal perspective adopted in the simulation model, one explanation for how and when division of labour and governance matter for cluster adjustment is found. While the model faces several limitations, these are more to be seen as possible areas for future research. The present study opens up new avenues in cluster research. Rather than just focussing on emergence or existence, clusters are viewed as entities underlying a dynamic development. The analysis of their adaptability to external changes c- stitutes a first important step towards a non-deterministic perspective on cluster development.

The rationale for studying cluster dynamics.- Introduction: Clusters, change and adaptation.- Literature review — The benefits of co-location.- Stability and change: Driving cluster development.- The nature of the beast — On the notion of agglomeration externalities.- Towards a complexity perspective on clusters.- Clusters, change and adaptation: Sticky places in slippery space?.- Modelling adaptation in clusters — The promise of complexity theory.- Model development — Clusters as complex adaptive systems.- Micromotives and macrobehaviour — Dynamics of N/K systems.- Clusters as co-evolving N/K systems.- Division of labour, co-ordination and cluster adaptation.- Clusters, change and adaptation — Simulation results.- Model contribution, limitation and avenues for future research.