Clusters, Digital Transformation and Regional Development in Germany

✍ Scribed by Marta Götz

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2021
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 153
• Series: Routledge Focus on Business and Management
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

The information age is reshaping current socio-economic structures and processes and this book touches upon the nature of clusters in the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0; I4.0). It focuses on the spatial perspective of digital business transformation and explores in natural context the interrelations between cluster and I4.0. It investigates the role of knowledge, business relations and policy in making cluster relevant for Industry 4.0 and uses the case study method and literature review to develop a conceptual framework outlining the functioning of Industry 4.0 cluster.

This book argues that locally embedded knowledge accompanied by strong presence of industry and assisted by proper governance management facilitate the implementation of I4.0. The idiosyncrasies of Industry 4.0 impact also the functioning of cluster as they require more interdisciplinary integrative approach with the provision of industrial commons and development of related varieties. Natural processes of stretching of the cluster cannot be prevented, but should be harnessed for upgrading the core competences of cluster. This book can enrich existing literature on economic geography and regional studies by discussing the spatial aspects of digital transformation.

It shows the cluster transformation as induced by the digital transformation, and will be of interest to researchers, academics, policymakers, and students who explore the regional and local development, competitiveness, or managerial aspects of fourth industrial revolution.

✦ Table of Contents

Cover
Half Title
Series Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Acknowledgements
Part I Setting the Stage
1 Introduction—Background of the Research and the Methodology Adopted
Opening Remarks and Context of the Study
Conceptual Framework and Research Design
Methodology Adopted
Contribution to Current Research
2 Industry 4.0 and the Contribution of Clusters for the Advancing I4.0
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (I4.0)
Clusters Potential Role in I4.0
Part II On the Role of Knowledge, Business Relations and Policy in Making Cluster Relevant for Industry 4.0
3 Intelligent Technical Systems: OstWestfalen-Lippe—It’s OWL Cluster
It’s OWL Facts and Figures
Knowledge Generation and Technology Transfer
Dual Strategy—A Business Ecosystem
Institutions and Policy—Governance of Relationships
4 Developing a Conceptual Model
International Relations and Openness
Cluster Importance for Small and Medium Enterprises
Provision of ICs, RV and Stretching Processes in It’s OWL
Industrial Commons
Related Variety
Stretching—Blending and Hubbing
Part III Cluster as Provider of Industrial Commons and Related Variety Undergoing the Stretching Process
5 HAv Hamburg Aviation Cluster
Regional Specialisation and Cluster Profile
Cluster Structure and Activities
6 Findings and Discussion
Provision of ICs in HAv
The Importance of RV in HAv
Blending Processes in HAv
Hubbing Strategy of HAv
7 Summary of the Results
Overview
I4.0 and Cluster Co-Relations
ICs, RV and Stretching in HAv
Peculiarities of Cluster and I4.0 Relations Diagnosed in HAv
Digital Transformation and Cluster Evolution
Part IV Final Word
8 Conclusions
Cluster and I4.0 Relations Framed in ICs, RV and Stretching
The Value Added of Presented Study
References
Index