Kluster : En språngbräda för utveckling

Sammanfattning: Cluster is a term that during the 70-, 80- and 90ties has come to be of increasing interest due to the globalisation of the economic society. A cluster is defined as a geographically limited area where a number of companies and other organisations/institutions whom collectively create an environment signified by innovation and progress. Our initial browse of the available theories concerning clusters showed an abundance of research in the area, albeit with more focus on national economics. The roll, the motives and the company’s perspective on a cluster environment however, was an area lacking in research. The main purpose of the study was thus defined as addressing these factors and presenting them from the view of the individual company. Furthermore the study results in the formulation of a model which is to act as a form of roadmap to a cluster environment. The purpose of which is to aid companies in their awareness of the components of a cluster and in their interactions within the cluster. The paper is based on a qualitative study which focuses on a Swedish cluster environment, namely Kista Science City located in Stockholm, which by many is considered to be the “Silicon Valley” of Sweden. Several interviews, combined with a thorough study of the available theories concerning clusters, constitute the basis of our analysis and conclusions. The paper identifies several types of roles and motives emphasizing the advantages of being located in a cluster environment. These and a more comprehensive mapping of a cluster environment and the factors therein, relevant to the companies, are presented in the CICE model (Corporate Integration in a Cluster Environment). Keywords Cluster Network Network organization The CICE model