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Cluster experiences and issues in the UK
Paul MillerGavurin Ltd
10 MESSAGES of which THREE are crucial
A. Clusters DO existB. Understanding them and the
role of public policy to support them is EXPENSIVE
C. BUT, economic development is not just about companies
MESSAGE 1: Clusters do exist
Possible to create imbalance in the economy.Are these clusters?
Software Research and development
Imbalance in the UK economy.Which leads to…..
Manufacture of medical precision and optical instruments
MESSAGE 2: development is not ONLY about clusters: the NUMBER of firms is crucial
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50.0
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0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0 70.0 80.0 90.0
Expanding firms per 10,000 adult population
Fir
m p
op
ula
tio
n
London
South East
EasternUK
South West
East Midlands
West Midlands
Yorkshire & Humberside
Northern IrelandNorth West
WalesScotland
North East
The relationship of firm growth to firm numbers
MESSAGE 3: Think only about MARKETS People don’t buy ‘technologies’
• Clean air management• Effluent control• Energy management• Environmental services and
consultancy• Land reclamation• Noise control• Pollution control• Radiation control• Recycling activity• Spillage control• Toxic substance control• Vibration control• Waste management• Water services
• Much talk in Europe about ‘ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES’
MESSAGE 4: Understanding clusters is DIFFICULT and EXPENSIVE
• Cluster ‘theory’ not well understood– Linkage / innovation in particular– Confusion between concentrations and
clusters
• Research resources spread too thinly– Understanding supply chains– Role of R&D– Engaging business
MESSAGES: 5 - 8
5. Better to be short on ambition & long on delivery
6. Structure follows strategy– Implications for governance
7. Leadership is (almost) all– An issue of levels
– Consider the private sector
8. Remember Monday
– An action orientation is vital
MESSAGES: 9 - 10
9. Cluster depth – Enhance and protect
10.Protect manufacturing
