Industry cluster’s innovation network structure and competitiveness in Zhejiang Province

Abstract

Zhejiang Province, China, is known as a home of industrial clusters. Academic interests on Zhejiangpsilas industrial clusters have been attracted to the peculiar development experiences of Wenzhou, Taizhou and Shaoxing in Zhejiang. Most of the literature on Zhejiangpsilas industrial clusters, however, is case studies of some clusters. It is necessary to analyze the cluster as a whole from the view of innovation network. Innovation is often identified as a key to region competitiveness and prosperity, and is promoted through various policy initiatives in many areas. Yet innovation today is no longer carried out within individual firm, but often crosses borders in the form of innovation networks. The paper analyzed he innovation network structure. The innovation network structure can be divided in three sectors including core network, auxiliary network and external supporting network. The paper investigated Zhejiang innovation network structure and concluded the role of innovation network to the industry cluster change.