| Identifying industrial clusters based on the analysis of business ties: A case of the textile industry |
|
Аuthors: Lilia A. Valitova, Cand. Sc. (Econ.), Senior Researcher of the Laboratory for Institutional Analysis. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Economics Elena R. Sharko, Cand. Sc. (Econ.), Researcher of the Laboratory for Institutional Analysis. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Economics Marina Yu. Sheresheva, Dr. Sc. (Econ.), Professor of Applied Institutional Economics Dept., Director of the Research Centre for Network Economy, Head of the Laboratory for Institutional Analysis. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Economics Abstract: Identification of industrial clusters that are created and operate on the basis of formal and informal ties is a relevant research objective. The paper highlights the limitations of the existing approaches to solving this problem, analyzes the shortcomings of the method for identifying vertically organized structures based on technological links and territorial proximity of enterprises that potentially form a cluster, and proposes a method for identifying industrial clusters based on the analysis of business links. The methodological framework includes new institutional economics, as well as theoretical provisions of the formation and development of clusters, industrial regions and other territorial-industrial structures discussed in the research literature. The methods of analysis, synthesis and classification were applied. The authors’ method for identifying industrial clusters was tested using the case of Ivanovo oblast’s textile cluster. The research results confirm that the author’s approach to identifying industrial clusters allows determining the composition of enterprises as members of the cluster and provides a basis for analyzing vertical and horizontal relationships between them, while taking into account information about counterparties. This serves as the basis for studying the origins of cluster, such as the motivation of participants, drivers and barriers to participation in cluster, the specifics of managing and coordinating joint activities, the presence of special synergistic effects for cluster members, and an overview of its development strategy. The approach can be applied to other regions of the Russian Federation and a number of other industries. Keywords: business ties; industrial cluster; cluster industrial system; coopetition; cluster sustainability; old industrial regions. |
