The United States, Japan's Industrial Clusters Features Analysis And Reference

Originated by Marshall's external economy, the theory of industry cluster has attracted growing number of world economists. Globalization does not decrease the importance of location; on the contrary, location plays a key role in the world economy. Industrial cluster has proved to be an effective organization form to enhance regional and national competitiveness.Part One—Introduction. Industry clusters bring the enterprises the benefit of external economy without arousing over-expanding management and low efficiency. American industry cluster is carried out in a market mechanism, while Japanese cluster is in a government oriented pattern. By analyzing the competitive advantage of the industrial cluster in the two countries, we can get significant reference to the renovation of industrial clusters in China.Part Two—Recall of existing theories. According to Professor Porter's definition, clusters are geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, specialized suppliers, service providers, and associated institutions in a particular field that are present in a nation or region. There are special conditions to meet when forming a cluster. There are five major theoretic explanations of clusters.Part Three—the analysis of the industrial clusters in America and Japan. The industrial cluster creates considerable competitive advantage. Both of the above countries have their own way to develop the industrial cluster. American industrial cluster is market oriented, while Japanese industrial cluster is government-dominant. American industrial cluster is formed in a bottom-up pattern by the enterprises naturally, while Japanese industrial cluster is in a government-dominated pattern. Both patterns are of typical characteristics.Part Four—The useful reference to the industrial cluster of China. The development of industrial cluster in China has a long history, yet studies only recently. The industrial clusters in China suffer many problems. National and local government ought to abide by special criteria to correct market failure and remedy institutional inefficiency when formulating and implementing cluster policies.