Is ambidexterity crucial for cluster resilience? Conceptional consideration and empirical evidence

Abstract

Purpose This study, a conceptual paper, aims an answer the question, how significant cluster ambidexterity is for the resilience of individual clusters. Design/methodology/approach The authors draw up an abductive synopsis of empirical information and relevant theoretical sources. A case study is used to illustrate some of the findings. Findings The results of the analysis show that the ambidexterity of a cluster can contribute to its resilience when adverse external developments arise. Ambidexterity proves to be simultaneously a common strategy of key cluster actors and a mechanism for coping with critical situations and developments that can be activated by the cluster actors and may – eventually – lead to cluster resilience. While ambidexterity does not guarantee cluster survival, it can contribute significantly to their economic resilience under adverse conditions. Research limitations/implications The concept is developed on a limited empirical basis and would need to be tested and deepened by comparing a wide range of case studies from different clusters. Practical implications A better understanding of the importance of ambidexterity for the development of industrial clusters contributes to a better fine-tuning of cluster support policies. Originality/value Ambidexterity as a concept originating from business administration has so far only been rudimentarily tapped for empirical and theoretical cluster research. The paper identifies and develops a path how this could be accomplished to a greater extent in the future.