A new look at industry cluster analysis

This November 2008 article from Advanced Research Technologies, Inc. offers another layer of industry cluster analysis that might be useful in the world of sector strategies. The authors assert that traditional cluster analysis methods might miss some subtle but important "microdevelopments" at the regional level that could reflect innovative and entrepreneurial activities. They further assert that decision makers need better tools to detect these developments in order to direct appropriate resources to support industry growth or "value-creation." Two case studies (Northeaset Indiana and California's San Joaquin Valley) are used to illustrate some new ways to conduct an industry cluster analysis that might lead to more focused and pro-active policy changes.