Perceptions of competitiveness for maritime clusters

Abstract

Maritime clusters are important industrial constructs, for they have the potential to transform regions into beacons of global competitiveness. Clusters achieve this end-result through the fusion of collective dynamics and linkages among firms with acute innovation potential, as well as a culture of competitive symbiosis between and within firms. When the latter is paired with the maritime industry the results can manifest in many successful case studies not only for transportation, but business in general. Though clusters’ beneficial aspects can be traced in the dawn of economic theory, their intricacies are still not understood. Especially with respect to maritime clusters, the research body regarding the threads of their competitiveness is still germinating. This fact provides a dynamic opportunity for research and practice to develop frameworks and models to better understand these industrial constructs. The present work, through a questionnaire deployed to professionals active in maritime clusters, and to academics with contributions within the body of knowledge, provides strong evidence as to the perceptions of the threads of competitiveness for maritime clusters. The sample of the study was asked to provide a numerical representation of a constellation of factors with reference to competitiveness, which were extracted through a structured literature review. The numerical representations were then cross-tabulated, measures of association were extracted, and statistical decision testing was conducted. The results point to the convergence of the perceptions of academia and practice. The differentiating characteristic of this study is that it unveils distinct perceptions within academia and practice. This research can be utilized for benchmarking and setting specific policy directions with reference to the factors that competitiveness depends upon. Notwithstanding, this work can provide the baseline whereupon future research may spawn.