Innovation Processes within geographical clusters: a cognitive approach

The competitiveness of geographical clusters can be considered to be the outcome of their innovative capabilities. The development of these capabilities has been a function of different traits of clusters that from time to time have characterised the evolution of clusters. In this paper, a cognitive approach is proposed to investigate the characteristics of the innovative processes within three main types of cluster which correspond to three main evolutionary stages of clusters. With this aim, a cognitive characterisation of the innovative processes, in terms of both learning and knowledge management functions, is followed by an analysis of the learning processes carried out within clusters. The paper concludes with the role played by specific actors, namely leader firms and 'meta-management' structures, to enhance the innovative capabilities of clusters, and some early policy considerations for cluster development in the UK. (