The notion of clustering, is generally accepted to have been introduced by Harvard economist,
Michael Porter, in his (1990) book ‘The Competitive Advantage of Nations’, and builds on earlier
work in the field of industrial geography, economic geography, and earlier work by Alfred Marshall
(1890) and Paul Krugman (1991).
The development of new clusters exists at a juncture between industrial, regional
and technology policy.
The creation of clusters is being used as tool for regional development, as a means
of stimulating new economic growth and as a device for developing new
technologies to the stage
According of commercialisation.
to Porter, However,
competition within there isbenefits
a cluster evidence in
to
suggest that a one-size
three ways: fits all approach to cluster development.
•The productivity of companies within the cluster is increased
•New businesses in the field are stimulated
•Innovation within the field is encouraged and fostered
Paytas, J., Gradek, R., & Andrews, L., (2005) ‘Aligning Universities
and Industry Clusters’
The Heinz School Review, Volume 2, Issue I.
The development of hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles, will result in the creation of new supply chains, component suppliers and research and
development hubs within the automotive industry. Emergent clusters of industry may spontaneously form around centres of research and
development activity, or a cluster may be ‘artificially created’ by investment to stimulate regional growth and development.
Original Equipment Manufacturers of vehicles, at the top of the pyramid, are supported by a broad base of different suppliers.
These in turn are supported by a plethora of component suppliers and materials suppliers. In the emergent hydrogen and fuel
cell automotive industry, suppliers may be characterised by producing exotic materials for fuel cell manufacture, not
traditionally found in the automotive industry; or supplying components made by new processes and using new techniques.
The dynamics of the organisations supplying these components for the new industries, the establishments supporting research and development
activity to facilitate creation of these new components, and the interaction between the various suppliers, manufacturers and service providers in
this new industry has received relatively little attention.
There are comparable studies of other high-technology clusters, which will be used to inform the research and build an understanding of what
factors influence cluster development.
In addition, the study will be informed by an cross-examination of clusters at different stagesDifferences
of maturity;
in comparing
legislation the
and Californian Fuel Cell
political priority will cluster
with activity in the UK, to ascertain be examined in both the UK and California, to give
differences in legislative, political, social and economic approaches to cluster development.
an orientation to the socio-political environment in
which regional clusters exist.
Whilst market and growth oriented firms can drive
innovation in a region, providing industry push,
there must also be sufficient local demand or
sensitivity to external demand to provide
innovation pull. The factors affecting this pull will
be compared.
Paytas, J., Gradek, R., & Andrews, L., (2005) ‘Aligning Universities
and Industry Clusters’
The Heinz School Review, Volume 2, Issue I.
One of the areas of study will examine
different attitudes to research and
development activity – critically analysing the
interface between business and universities.
A number of fuel cell ventures have resulted
About the Researcher:
from knowledge transfer partnerships between
[Link] business and academia and spin-off university
ventures. The study will examine differences
Gavin D. J. Harper holds a Diploma in Design and
Innovation, the Diploma of Vilnius University a BSc. between how the relationship between the
(Hons.) Technology and an MSc. Architecture: university and company can be characterised.
Advanced Environmental & Energy Studies.
He is author of a number of books, including Fuel Cell
Projects for the Evil Genius, available from Mc Graw The study will also examine other factors
Hill, New York. affecting the success and prosperity of
He writes for a number of magazines and blogs, clusters; taking lessons from different regional
and is a . regular contributor to Green examples, and looking at how they can be
Building Magazine and the
sustainable technology blog [Link].
The research will examine the applied in the context of fuel cell
extent to which fuel cell spin- commercialisation.
offs are embedded within
universities in different local
and institutional contexts, and
to what extent
this affects the autonomy and
productivity of the enterprise.
Matkin, G (1999) ‘Spinning off in the U.S.’
Accessed Online:
[Link]
[Link]
Research Supported Under Economic & Social Research Council The ESRC Centre for
Business Relationships, Accountability,
3+1 Studentship Sustainability and Society
Supervisory Team: Dr. Peter Wells, Dr. Paul Nieuwenhuis & Telephone
(B.R.A.S.S) +44 (0) 2920 876 562
Prof. Ken Peattie Fax:
Cardiff University
55 Park Place, +44 (0) 2920 876 061
Cardiff, Email:
CF10 3AT, harpergd@[Link]
Wales,