Handbook of Research on Cluster Theory (Handbooks of Research on Clusters Series)

`This eclectic volume presents a host of methods to describe tendencies for the joint location of economic agents in space. And it illustrates useful applications of these concepts in diverse fields - financial services, culture, tourism, and industry, to name just a few.' - John M. Quigley, University of California, US `This is a book every regional scientist and spatial analyst should have on their bookshelf. Like most handbook type publications it provides depth and breadth on the basics of the industrial clustering concept. However, unlike most of these type collections, it goes beyond the foundation material to identify and speculate on questions that are emerging on the research frontiers such as at the intersection of cluster theory and agglomeration processes, knowledge spillovers and technology transfer - not to mention the obvious link to economic development theory, policy and practice.' - Roger R. Stough, George Mason University, US Clusters have increasingly dominated local and regional development policies in recent decades and the growing intellectual and political interest for clusters and clustering is the prime motivation for this handbook. Charlie Karlsson has collaborated leading experts in the field of clusters who present a thorough overview of economic cluster research in terms of agglomeration and cluster theory, methods for analysing clusters, clustering in different spatial contexts, and clustering in service industries. The studies cover the developed economies in Europe and North America and they provide the basis for improving analyses of clusters as well as cluster policy formulation and implementation. The Handbook of Research on Cluster Theory portrays a comprehensive overview of research on economic clusters, which will be of interest to scholars and PhD students in (regional) economics, economic geography, regional planning and management as well practitioners and policymakers at the national, regional and local levels involved in cluster formation and cluster management.