Growth Clusters in European Cities: An Integral Approach

Abstract

This paper analyses and compares the dynamics of clusters in nine urban regions in Europe. The cluster perspective in the studying of growth processes in cities has added value because, increasingly, economic activities cross the boundaries of traditional economic sectors, as networks are becoming the leading organisational principle. The integral approach reveals that the performance and dynamics of clusters depend on cluster-specific conditions and, to a large extent, also on the general spatial-economic situation in the urban region and the quality of urban management.