Sme Cluster Development

In the past twenty years the clusters of small enterprises proved to be among the most dynamic ways to promote the endogenous growth of local economic systems. However, the case of 'survival clusters' in developing countries is more controversial, as many international organizations and specialized goverment agencies have verified over their long-term experience. These types of clusters represent a common feature in the production systems of many developing countries; in our view, they...
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In the past twenty years the clusters of small enterprises proved to be among the most dynamic ways to promote the endogenous growth of local economic systems. However, the case of 'survival clusters' in developing countries is more controversial, as many international organizations and specialized goverment agencies have verified over their long-term experience. These types of clusters represent a common feature in the production systems of many developing countries; in our view, they could play a key role in the growth process of many territories. Based upon significant experiences in Europe and Latin America, this book offers a new interpretative key, which we call 'a stage and eclectic approach', that could transform these clusters in more competitive subjects. This approach is deemed to support public efforts to increase the effectiveness of policy-making and development operations in local contexts.