Abstract
The development of high-tech clusters has been enhanced by the European authorities. In France a high-tech cluster policy was implemented in 2004 to establish competitiveness poles in the entire territory. Of the 71 clusters established, a few were built from existing industrial districts. That is the case of the Cosmetics Valley industrial district that was transformed into a high-tech cluster in 2005. The cluster readiness factors, known as the enabling conditions, and the supporting conditions are assessed, based on a methodology stemming from a worldwide cluster benchmark. The results obtained from a qualitative survey highlight the strong points of the Cosmetics Valley cluster in terms of branding, technological innovation and supplier networks. The limits to this clustering policy are indicated and possible evolution suggested.
Highlights
French industry, like that of most Western economies, is facing enhanced relocations caused by low cost competition coming from the emerging countries
DB Technique, located in Cosmetics Valley, is a specialist in high-class industrial marking on any medium, For almost 20 years, this SME has demonstrated its mastery of printing processes, providing unique solutions adapted to the needs of a demanding customer base
The Cosmetics Valley brand is promoted at international fairs and this contributes to a common, shared vision among the affiliates
Summary
Like that of most Western economies, is facing enhanced relocations caused by low cost competition coming from the emerging countries To counterbalance this trend the government authorities established a new national research and innovation framework, which included the CP initiative (competitiveness poles). This initiative relies on the setting up of competitive high-tech clusters, which provide companies with a sustainable competitive advantage on a worldwide basis. The method used relies upon the appraisal of the Cosmetics Valley’s cluster enabling and supporting conditions Each of these two subsets is assessed according to specific metrics; the enabling conditions (market conditions, regional attractiveness, industrial competitive enablers, business environment enablers) and the supporting conditions (infrastructural drivers, economic and financial enablers, public policy and legal enablers, social and cultural environments). Results are shown in a graphic format and allow formulation of possible improvements dealing with the Cosmetics Valley development scenarios
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