A Systematic Approach to Analyze Industrial Clusters : A Case Study of The Iceland Ocean Cluster

Sammanfattning: Regional industries see a trend of agglomeration of firms in concentrated economic areas. Firms in these regions convene and form a cluster with a wide array of intensive collaborations between the individual actors. The result is the enhancement of a variety of aspects in the region such as innovation, and entrepreneurial activities and attitudes. Research on cluster theory has shoZn an effectiYe Za\ of anal\]ing a cluster¶s strategy and current state by identifying the phase of a cluster in its Cluster Lifecycle. In order to locate a cluster in the Cluster Lifecycle, the characteristics of the cluster need to be mapped and analyzed. Here, a gap in the literature can be found as there is no consensus on a systematic method for the analysis of cluster characteristics. Hence, this paper derives a novel way of analyzing cluster characteristics using the Cluster Canvas. Building on these existing and newly derived methods, the paper answers the research question: What can we learn from this specific cluster by analyzing unique factors in its environment? To create the most complete representation of the phenomenon in its context, the research adopts a single case study method. In the specific case of this thesis a cluster, the Iceland Ocean Cluster (IOC), is used as the case study. Primary data is collected on multiple levels using a survey and semi-structured interviews which are subsequently analyzed qualitatively. All in all, leading to a Cluster Canvas populated with the most significant findings, creating an image of the cluster in its current state of sustainment. Significant conclusions about the state of the cluster relate to its diversity in terms of collaborations and portfolio of firms and how this relates to knowledge diffusion within and outside of the cluster. Finally, evidence shows that the ability of the cluster to adapt and renew strategies over the years has proven fruitful in sustaining its relevance in the industry.