Authors: Barbara Jankowska
Research background and its relevance for past and/or future work. Clusters as spatial concentrations of firms and institutions focused on a particular type of economic activity have been broadly discussed in the literature. They are based on two critical dimensions: spatial proximity and networking. Both dimensions can have an impact on the internationalization of cluster firms. The dimension of spatial proximity is related to the economics of agglomeration that can result in the asymmetric competitive advantage of cluster firms in relation to outside companies. The perception of the competitive advantage can trigger the internationalization of cluster companies. It goes in line with the assumptions in the Uppsala model of firm internationalization. The dimension of networking which is related to the development of mutually dependent relationships can facilitate internationalization which is highlighted within the network approach to internationalization. Despite the huge literature and extensive research in the area of networking, clusters and internationalization there is still a gap related to the conceptualization of the relationships between the concept of a cluster and the concept of a network and the significance of networks embedded in the clusters for the internationalization of cluster firms. Purpose of the paper The aim of the paper is to twofold. First, I try to investigate the links between the notion of a cluster and the notion of a network. Second, I discuss how clusters being specific business networks can foster the internationalization of cluster firms. Methods To accomplish the purposes of the paper I embed my study in the resource-based view (RBV) and relational view (RV) of the firm. Drawing on the assumptions of both approaches I try to manifest the links between the concept of a cluster and the concept of a network and explain how clusters can facilitate the internationalization of cluster firms. The conceptual part of the paper is accompanied by the empirical part focused on the results of empirical research related to the clusters and internationalization of cluster firms in Poland. Main contribution of the paper The contributions of the paper are conceptual and practical in nature. The conceptual value of the study lies in the explicit demonstration of linkages between clusters and networks and the significance of cluster participation for internationalization of cluster firms. The practical value is related to the exemplification of the impact of cluster participation on internationalization of cluster firms in a CEE country – in Poland.
Journal: n.a. (n.a. – n.a.)
Web Address: n.a.
Publish Year: 2016
Conference: Poznan, Poland (2016)