Share:


Clusters and innovation: the relationship between membership in clusters organisations and technological maturity of companies in Poland

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the relationship between cluster organisation membership and the performance of companies in terms of their technological maturity. The article introduces and operationalises a new concept of technological maturity which reflects competitiveness, innovativeness, and market reputation of a company in a particular sector. To compare the technological maturity between cluster organisation members and non-members a composite index was created. The study is based on theoretical and empirical analyses. The empirical part is based on firm-level data collected in the survey from 464 companies identified in the technological fields covered by the National Smart Specializations in Poland. A set of statistical tests has been employed to assess whether (a) the indicators differ significantly between cluster organisation members and non-members (b) the composite index differs significantly between cluster organisation members and non-members. Results of the analysis show a positive relationship between being a member of the cluster organisation and the technological maturity of the company. The regression analysis proved that the relationship remains significant when controlling for the industry, geographical location, and size of a company. The article contributes to the discussion about the role of cluster organisations and their economic impact.

Keyword : cluster, cluster organization, clustering, innovation, technological maturity, technical advancement

How to Cite
Mackiewicz, M., & Pavelkova, D. (2022). Clusters and innovation: the relationship between membership in clusters organisations and technological maturity of companies in Poland. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 28(6), 1854–1870. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2022.18005
Published in Issue
Nov 22, 2022
Abstract Views
597
PDF Downloads
578
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

References

Aharonson, B. S., Baum, J. A. C., & Feldman, M. P. (2007). Desperately seeking spillovers? Increasing returns, industrial organization and the location of new entrants in geographic and technological space. Industrial and Corporate Change, 16(1), 89–130. https://doi.org/10.1093/icc/dtl034

Aharonson, B. S., Baum, J. A. C., & Feldman, M. P. (2014). Industrial clustering and innovative output. In F. Rowe & D. Te’eni (Eds.), Innovation and IT in an international context: R&D strategy and operations (pp. 65–81). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137336132_4

Ahedo, M. (2004). Cluster policy in the Basque country (1991–2002): Constructing “industry-government” collaboration through cluster-associations. European Planning Studies, 12(8), 1097–1113. https://doi.org/10.1080/0965431042000289232

Albert, T., Moehrle, M., & Meyer, S. (2015). Technology maturity assessment based on blog analysis. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 92, 196–209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2014.08.011

Alberti, F. G., & Belfanti, F. (2021). Do clusters create shared value? A social network analysis of the motor valley case. Competitiveness Review, 31(2), 326–350. https://doi.org/10.1108/CR-05-2020-0077

Alberti, F. G., Belfanti, F., & Giusti, J. D. (2021). Knowledge exchange and innovation in clusters: A dynamic social network analysis. Industry and Innovation, 28(7), 880–901. https://doi.org/10.1080/13662716.2021.1904840

Anić, I.-D., Rašić, I., & Aralica, Z. (2022). What do members expect from cluster membership? The case of the Croatian wood cluster. E&M Economics and Management, 25(2), 59–74. https://doi.org/10.15240/tul/001/2022-2-004

Anokhin, S., Wincent, J., Parida, V., Chistyakova, N., & Oghazi, P. (2019). Industrial clusters, flagship enterprises and regional innovation. Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, 31(1–2), 104–118. https://doi.org/10.1080/08985626.2018.1537150

Balland, P. A., Belso-Martínez, J. A., & Morrison, A. (2016). The dynamics of technical and business knowledge networks in industrial clusters: Embeddedness, status, or proximity? Economic Geography, 92(1), 35–60. https://doi.org/10.1080/00130095.2015.1094370

Beaudry, C., & Breschi, S. (2003). Are firms in clusters really more innovative? Economics of Innovation and New Technology, 12(4), 325–342. https://doi.org/10.1080/10438590290020197

Bittencourt, B. A., Zen, A. C., Prévot, F., & Schmidt, V. K. (2022). How to be more innovative in clusters? The influence of geographical agglomerations on its firms. Journal of the Knowledge Economy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13132-022-00975-2

Braunerhjelm, P., & Carlsson, B. (1999). Industry clusters in Ohio and Sweden 1975–1995. Small Business Economics, 12, 279–293. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008079014165

Brenner, T., & Gildner, A. (2006). The long-term implications of local industrial clusters. European Planning Studies, 14(9), 1315–1328. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654310600933371

Canet-Giner, M. T., Redondo-Cano, A., Balbastre-Benavent, F., Escriba-Carda, N., Revuelto-Taboada, L., & Saorin-Iborra, M. (2022). The influence of clustering on HR practices and intrapreneurial behavior. Competitiveness Review, 32(1), 35–58. https://doi.org/10.1108/CR-10-2019-0102

Capone, F., & Innocenti, N. (2020). Open innovation and network dynamics. An analysis of openness of co-patenting collaborations in Florence, Italy. Competitiveness Review, 30(4), 379–396. https://doi.org/10.1108/CR-10-2019-0101

Chandrashekar, D., & Bala Subrahmanya, M. H. (2019). Exploring the factors of cluster linkages that influence innovation performance of firms in a cluster. Economics of Innovation and New Technology, 28(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1080/10438599.2017.1384102

Chapain, C., & Comunian, R. (2010). Enabling and inhibiting the creative economy: The role of the local and regional dimensions in England. Regional Studies, 44(6), 717–734. https://doi.org/10.1080/00343400903107728

Chatterji, A., Glaeser, E., & Kerr, W. (2014). Clusters of entrepreneurship and innovation. In J. Lerner & S. Stern (Eds.), Innovation policy and the economy (vol. 14, pp. 129–166). National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). https://doi.org/10.1086/674023

Chen, D.-Z., Lin, C.-P., Huang, M.-H., & Chan, Y.-T. (2012). Technology forecasting via published patent applications and patent grants. Journal of Marine Science and Technology, 20(4), 345–356. https://doi.org/10.6119/JMST-011-0111-1

Conover, W. J. (1980). Practical nonparametric statistics (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

Delgado, M., Porter, M. E., & Stern, S. (2012). Cluster, convergence and economic performance (NBER Working Paper No. 18250). https://doi.org/10.3386/w18250

Dvorský, J., Čepel, M., Simionescu, M., & Ďurana, P. (2021). The influence of competitiveness on start-up in SMEs segment. E&M Economics and Management, 24(1), 102–117. https://doi.org/10.15240/tul/001/2021-1-007

European Commission. (2021, September 30). European innovation scoreboard 2021. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/policy/innovation/scoreboards_en

European Commission. (2003). Final report of the expert group on enterprise clusters and networks. Brussels.

Eurostat. (2021). Business demography by size class (from 2004 onwards, NACE Rev. 2). Last update: 2021, March 19. Retrieved March 20, 2021.

Feldman, M. (2000). Location and innovation: The new economic geography of innovation, spillovers, and agglomeration. In G. Clark, M. Feldman, & M. Gertler (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of economic geography (pp. 373–394). Oxford University Press.

Ferras‐Hernandez, X., & Nylund, P. (2019). Clusters as innovation engines: The accelerating strengths of proximity. European Management Review, 16, 37–53. https://doi.org/10.1111/emre.12330

Ferreira, J. J., Fernandes, C. I., & Ratten, V. (2017). Entrepreneurship, innovation and competitiveness: What is the connection? International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 18(1), 73–95. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJBG.2017.10001191

Fioravanti, V., Stocker, F., & Macau, F. (2021). Knowledge transfer in technological innovation clusters. Innovation & Management Review. https://doi.org/10.1108/INMR-12-2020-0176

Furman, J. L., Porter, M. E., & Stern, S. (2002). The determinants of national innovative capacity. Research Policy, 31(6), 899–933. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-7333(01)00152-4

Gao, L., Porter, A. L., Wang, J., Fang, S., Zhang, X., Ma, T., Wang, W., & Huang, L. (2013). Technology life cycle analysis method based on patent documents. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 80(3), 398–407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2012.10.003

Gerken, J., & Moehrle, M. (2012). A new instrument for technology monitoring: Novelty in patents measured by semantic patent analysis. Scientometrics, 91(3), 645–670. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11192-012-0635-7

Götz, M. (2021). Cluster role in industry 4.0 – a pilot study from Germany. Competitiveness Review, 31(1), 54–82. https://doi.org/10.1108/CR-10-2019-0091

Grashof, N., & Fornahl, D. (2021). “To be or not to be” located in a cluster? – A descriptive meta-analysis of the firm-specific cluster effect. The Annals of Regional Science, 67, 541–591. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-021-01057-y

Grashof, N., Hesse, K., & Fornahl, D. (2019). Radical or not? The role of clusters in the emergence of radical innovations. European Planning Studies, 27(10), 1904–1923. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2019.1631260

Gupta, V., & Subramanian, R. (2008). Seven perspectives on regional clusters and the case of Grand Rapids office furniture city. International Business Review, 17(4), 371–384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2008.03.001

Haupt, R., Kloyer, M., & Lange, M. (2007). Patent indicators for the technology life cycle development. Research Policy, 36(3), 387–398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2006.12.004

Hedvičáková, M., & Král, M. (2021). Performance evaluation framework under the influence of Industry 4.0: The case of the Czech manufacturing industry. E&M Economics and Management, 24(1), 118–134. https://doi.org/10.15240/tul/001/2021-1-008

Iritié, B. G. J. J. (2017). Innovation clusters effects on adoption of a general purpose technology under uncertainty (EconStor Preprints 180668). ZBW – Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.

Kerr, W. R., & Robert-Nicoud, F. (2019). Tech clusters (Working Paper 20-063). HBS.

Ketels, C., & Protsiv, S. (2021). Cluster presence and economic performance: A new look based on European data. Regional Studies, 55(2), 208–220. https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2020.1792435

Konstantynova, A. (2017). Basque Country cluster policy: The road of 25 years. Regional Studies, Regional Science, 4(1), 109–116. https://doi.org/10.1080/21681376.2017.1322528

Kowalski, A. M. (2013). The importance of clusters for the innovativeness of the economy in Poland. Warsaw School of Economics Publishing House.

Kowalski, A. M., & Mackiewicz, M. (2021). Commonalities and differences of cluster policy of Asian countries; Discussion on cluster open innovation. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 7(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc7010021

Kukalis, S. (2010). Agglomeration economies and firm performance: The case of industry clusters. Journal of Management, 36(2), 453–481. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206308329964

Künzel, M., Meier zu Köcker, G., & Köhler, T. (2016). Clusters and innovations: Cluster initiatives as drivers of innovations. ClusterAgentur Baden-Württemberg.

Lavoie, J., & Tugrul, D. (2018). Technology readiness levels enhancing R&D management and technology transfer capabilities: Insights from a public utility in Northwest USA. International Journal of Transitions and Innovation Systems, 6(1), 48–61. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTIS.2018.090776

Li, J., & Wang, Y. (2019). Coupling effect of regional industrial cluster and innovation based on complex system metric and fuzzy mathematics. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, 37(5), 6115–6126. https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-179196

Lin, C.-H., Shih, H.-Y., & Sher, P. J. (2007). Integrating technology readiness into technology acceptance: The TRAM model. Psychology & Marketing, 24(7), 641–657. https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.20177

Lundequist, P., & Power, D. (2002). Putting porter into practice? Practices of regional cluster building: Evidence from Sweden. European Planning Studies, 10(6), 685–704. https://doi.org/10.1080/0965431022000003762

Lundmark, L., & Pettersson, Ö. (2012). The relevance of cluster initiatives in rural areas: Regional policy in Sweden. Urbani Izziv, 23(Suppl 1), S42–S52. https://doi.org/10.5379/urbani-izziv-en-2012-23-supplement-1-004

Mackiewicz, M. (2019). Role of clusters in the Polish innovation system. Central European Economic Journal, 6(53), 304–310. https://doi.org/10.2478/ceej-2019-0021

Mankins, J. C. (1995, April 6). Technology readiness levels [White paper]. NASA.

Marginean, S. (2009). Advantages and disadvantages of clusters – a theoretical approach. Revista Economica, 44(1), 36–40.

McCann, B. T., & Folta, T. B. (2011). Performance differentials within geographic clusters. Journal of Business Venturing, 26(1), 104–123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2009.04.004

McPhillips, M. (2020). Trouble in Paradise? Barriers to open innovation in regional clusters in the era of the 4th industrial revolution. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 6(3), 84. https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc6030084

Morgulis-Yakushev, S., & Sölvell, Ö. (2017). Enhancing dynamism in clusters: A model for evaluating cluster organizations’ bridge-building activities across cluster gaps. Competitiveness Review. An International Business Journal, 27(2), 98–112. https://doi.org/10.1108/CR-02-2016-0015

Norman, V. D., & Venables, A. J. (2004). Industrial clusters: Equilibrium, welfare and policy. Economica, 71(284), 543–558. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0013-0427.2004.00387.x

OECD/Eurostat. (2018). Oslo manual 2018: Guidelines for collecting, reporting and using data on innovation (4th ed.). The measurement of scientific, technological and innovation activities. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/9789264304604-en

Oerlemans, L. A. G., Rooks, G., & Pretorius, T. (2005). Does technology and innovation management improve market position? Empirical evidence from innovating firms in South Africa. Knowledge, Technology and Policy, 18(3), 38–55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12130-005-1004-0

Parasuraman, A. (2000). Technology Readiness Index (Tri): A multiple-item scale to measure readiness to embrace new technologies. Journal of Service Research, 2(4), 307–320. https://doi.org/10.1177/109467050024001

Pavelková, D., Zizka, M., Homolka, L., Knapkova, A., & Pelloneova, N. (2021). Do clustered firms outperform the non-clustered? Evidence of financial performance in traditional industries. Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 34(1), 3270–3292. https://doi.org/10.1080/1331677X.2021.1874460

Porter, M. E. (1990). The competitive advantage of nations. Free Press.

Porter, M. E. (1998). Clusters and the new economics of competition. In Harvard Business Review (pp. 77–90). Reprint 98609.

Porter, M. E. (2000). Location, competition, and economic development: Local clusters in a global economy. Economic Development Quarterly, 14(1), 15–34. https://doi.org/10.1177/089124240001400105

Rodríguez-Pose, A., & Comptour, F. (2012). Do clusters generate greater innovation and growth? An analysis of European regions. The Professional Geographer, 64(2), 211–231. https://doi.org/10.1080/00330124.2011.583591

Rosenfeld, S. A. (1997). Bringing business clusters into mainstream of economic development. European Planning Studies, 5(1), 3–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654319708720381

Rutten, R., & Boekema, F. (2007). The learning region: Foundations, state of the art, future. In R. Rutten & F. Boekema (Eds.), The learning region (pp. 1–14). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781847205537.00008

Schacht, W. H. (2009). Industrial competitiveness and technological advancement: Debate over government policy. Congressional Research Service.

Simmie, J., & Sennett, J. (1999). Innovative clusters: Global or local linkages? National Institute Economic Review, 170(1) 87–98. https://doi.org/10.1177/002795019917000112

Sölvell, Ö., Lindqvist, G., & Ketels, Ch. (2003). The cluster initiative greenbook. Ivory Tower AB.

Sommerlatte, T., & Deschamps, J.-P. (1986). Der strategische Einsatz von Technologien. In Management im Zeitalter der strategischen Führung (pp. 39–76). Gabler Verlag.

Terstriep, J., & Lüthje, C. (2018). Innovation, knowledge and relations – on the role of clusters for firms’ innovativeness. European Plannnig Studies, 26(11), 2167–2199. https://doi.org/10.1080/09654313.2018.1530152

Watts, R. J., & Porter, A. L. (1997). Innovation forecasting. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 56(1), 25–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-1625(97)00050-4

Wennberg, K., & Lindqvist, G. (2010). The effects of clusters on the survival and performance of new firms. Small Business Economics, 34, 221–241. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-008-9123-0

Xu, Y., Li, X., Tao, Ch., & Zhou, X. (2022). Connected knowledge spillovers, technological cluster Innovation and efficient industrial structure. Journal of Innovation & Knowledge, 7(3), 100195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jik.2022.100195

Yan, Y., He, M., & Song, L. (2021). Evaluation of regional industrial cluster innovation capability based on particle swarm clustering algorithm and multi-objective optimization. Complex & Intelligent Systems. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40747-021-00521-8