Development of proximity in cluster organizations

Anna Maria Lis

doi:10.9770/jesi.2020.8.2(7)

Abstract

Sustainable development in cluster organizations (COs) is most fully manifested in the synergy effect. In turn, the synergy effect is achieved thanks to the development of proximity among cluster entities. The purpose of the paper is to test two conceptual models reflecting relations between selected dimensions of proximity in cluster organizations. The author reports the findings of a quantitative study conducted in four COs. The basic technique for collecting data was an online questionnaire. Both theoretical models were tested using Structural Equation Modelling.The research goes beyond the state-of-the-art knowledge in the concept of industrial cluster by exposing a broader view on cluster cooperation, which is developed on the basis of geographical proximity, and simultaneously contributes to the development of proximity in other dimensions: social, competence and organizational.

Highlights

The review of theoretical concepts regarding the issue of cooperation among economic entities anchored in a specific location shows their strong connection with a broad understanding of the category of proximity
The connection of the very current contemporary issue of clustering within the extremely rarely undertaken aspect of cluster organizations with the concept of proximity has no equivalent in the literature
Since no similar publications have been found in the existing literature combining the issue of proximity with the concept of the cluster organization, it is impossible to find scientific publications that would simultaneously address the three issues mentioned above:

Summary

Introduction

The review of theoretical concepts regarding the issue of cooperation among economic entities anchored in a specific location shows their strong connection with a broad understanding of the category of proximity. It turns out that regardless of whether Marshall’s industrial districts or other theories perceiving the region as a hub of knowledge (including the cluster concept) are analyzed, each of these ideas uses elements directly related to the concept of proximity. This is important because without “proximity”, many elements that make up the definitions of subsequent forms of the coexistence of economic entities operating in a given territory would be beyond the reach of influence of the entities managing them. The knowledge of proximity and its dimensions, as well as the ability to apply it in practice, seems to be extremely important for the management of both individual enterprises and groups of enterprises associated in higher-order organizations, including cluster organizations (COs)

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion