Cluster Mapping: A Basis for the Creation of Network Cooperation

Abstract

Enterprises in today’s globalized world are trying to find ways to deal with increased competitive pressure. The competitiveness of small and medium enterprises in many cases depends on their ability to cooperate—thus to create alliances, networks and consequently business clusters, which constitute a form of interorganizational network. The concept of business clusters goes further than the network cooperation of enterprises, because clusters are not only networks of interdependent enterprises, but also include institutions producing knowledge, bridging institutions and customers linked to the production chain and thereby creating added value. This chapter deals with mapping such clusters, the purpose of which is to identify the potential existence of a cluster and to draft a cluster map showing the supply and value chains in the cluster. Attention is paid in the paper to techniques for identifying clusters, which is the basic prerequisite for its geographical location with sufficient sources giving it a key position in the economic sector and a decisive competitive advantage over competitors.