| Globalization and technology revolution have made innovations in technology, manufacturing and management ever more important. Innovation and its migration and inception become critical factors in regional economics. With such backdrop, how can we enhance the innovation capability of local enterprises to maintain and improve regional economy? How can we retain those firms that are important for regional economy, income and quality of life? In this thesis we use industrial cluster theory to study the impact of industrial cluster on economy. Statistical method is used to characterize their formation, impact and future development.The thesis comprises of three chapters. Chapter one describes the origin and development of industrial cluster theory and provide a theory framework for subsequent work. It is stated that the cluster theory is the result of latest development of economy and convergence of a few theories. Its development was accompanied by the concurrent development and adoption of industrial clusters in economical activities. The development of industrial cluster theory reflected interaction between academic, industry, and the government.Chapter two analyses the economical impact of industrial clusters. It is stated that industrial clusters are a natural phenomena of industrialization, and is a manifesto of industry competitiveness. We analyze the impacts on competitive advantage, innovation, impact on economy especially on regional economy. The risk factors and undesired effects are also discussed through case examination..Chapter three analyses Chinese industrial clusters. We start from the formation mechanism, innovation and adoption, externality, and cooperation efficiency. The study extends further to analyze their competitiveness strength including cost advantage, regional branding, market power, technical control, product differentiation and sustainable innovation. We studied cases in Zhejiang and Guangdong and categorised them into low cost and innovation two types and named them as 'self-sufficient" type and "external assistance" type. We further studied the relationship between industrial park and regional economy for both type of industrial clusters. It is pointed out that low cost type industrial clusters are important for regional economy growth and employment, but future focus is on the innovation type of clusters. And industrial park can be the main mechanism for innovation clusters. We applied this study in the case of North-east and proposed to foster innovation type of industrial clusters to transform the traditional industries and upgrade regional economy. |
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