Maritime Cluster Research Articles

A study of the critical success factors of international ship finance centre

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the critical success factors to international ship finance centre (ISFC) and to understand the reasons behind ship financing decision by shipowners and their views on the potential of Shanghai to become an ISFC in the near future. Design/methodology/approach Survey questionnaire and follow-up interviews were conducted. The survey of this study was conducted by firstly sending online questionnaire with interview questions via email and then carrying out interview either on telephone or in-person with the interview questions to collect factual data and views from individual interviewees. Findings This study identified governmental support and stable policy, sound and favourable legal system, advanced maritime cluster and dynamic source of finance as critical success factors which can help Shanghai to evolve into an international maritime centre with dual function as an ISFC which is a synthesis with the maritime sector of an international finance centre. Originality/value This paper is known to be the first to link international maritime centre with ISFC.

The strategic factors shaping competitiveness for maritime clusters

Maritime clusters provide an attractive analytical base within a strategic management perspective, as they render a sanctuary for a plethora of strategic factors that sustain competitiveness. This fact is a direct corollary of the investigative potential that generic industrial clusters have provided for decades. Through the critical review of this body of knowledge, a venture to extract the strategic factors that instigate the effects leading to competitiveness is attempted. The objective of this work is to provide a topology of strategic factors concerning the rudiments of competitiveness within maritime clusters, their critical linkages with factors concerning other industrial clusters and their differentiation, if any. For this end, literature concerned with industrial clusters is reviewed in order to extract the underlying factors that compose the distinct manifestation of competitiveness within them and these factors are categorized as per their nature. This work aspires to provide a relevant understanding of the factors dictating the competitiveness of clusters in the maritime sector; its results contribute to the body of knowledge concerning maritime clusters, for they provide a readily available critical review of the elements that formulate competitiveness within these particular industrial entities.

The impact of the Panama Canal expansion on Panama’s maritime cluster

The Panama Canal is currently in the process of a major expansion effort. After the new set of locks is opened in 2016, significantly larger ships can traverse the Canal. The current lock system has been in place for over 100 years, even though the size of ocean-going vessels has expanded considerably. One impact is on Panama’s maritime cluster. It is expected that the expansion will result in greater demand for many of the goods and services provided by the cluster. This article examines the economic impact of the Canal expansion on Panama’s maritime cluster. Clusters of economic activity can result in economies of agglomeration and supply chain network effects. Without these economies and network effects, clusters would not have a competitive advantage over businesses that are not in a cluster. It is expected that with a larger cluster, both agglomerative economies and network effects will increase. But, which cluster components will grow and which will not be affected to a great extent? To what extent will bottlenecks appear? These are some of the questions that this article addresses.

Climatological characteristics of raindrop size distributions in Busan, Republic of Korea

Abstract. Raindrop size distribution (DSD) characteristics within the complex area of Busan, Republic of Korea (35.12° N, 129.10° E), were studied using a Precipitation Occurrence Sensor System (POSS) disdrometer over a 4-year period from 24 February 2001 to 24 December 2004. Also, to find the dominant characteristics of polarized radar parameters, which are differential radar reflectivity (Zdr), specific differential phase (Kdp) and specific attenuation (Ah), T-matrix scattering simulation was applied in the present study. To analyze the climatological DSD characteristics in more detail, the entire period of recorded rainfall was divided into 10 categories not only covering different temporal and spatial scales, but also different rainfall types. When only convective rainfall was considered, mean values of mass-weighted mean diameter (Dm) and normalized number concentration (Nw) values for all these categories converged around a maritime cluster, except for rainfall associated with typhoons. The convective rainfall of a typhoon showed much smaller Dm and larger Nw compared with the other rainfall categories. In terms of diurnal DSD variability, we analyzed maritime (continental) precipitation during the daytime (DT) (nighttime, NT), which likely results from sea (land) wind identified through wind direction analysis. These features also appeared in the seasonal diurnal distribution. The DT and NT probability density function (PDF) during the summer was similar to the PDF of the entire study period. However, the DT and NT PDF during the winter season displayed an inverse distribution due to seasonal differences in wind direction.

Measuring relatedness in a multisectoral cluster: an input–output approach

ABSTRACTStudies in evolutionary economic geography have found that knowledge spillovers, crucial for the development and maintenance of clusters, tend to flow between sectors that are related via similar inputs and/or outputs. Thus, there is a growing body of literature stating that industrial variety within clusters is beneficial for economic growth, whereby local industrial diversity sparks creativity, new ideas and innovations. Within this context, the Irish Maritime and Energy Resource Cluster (IMERC) is a diverse, multisectoral cluster. Using an Input–Output table this paper examines the intra-cluster linkages, as well as the relatedness in terms of inputs and outputs across the four IMERC pillars: Marine Energy; Shipping, Logistics and Transport; Maritime Safety and Security; and Yachting Products and Services. This analysis found that although IMERC has weak intra-cluster linkages, the four pillars share a high number of related inputs and outputs. Based on this analysis, IMERC has the potential to develop into a strong maritime cluster.

The role of knowledge-intensive service activities on inducing innovation in co-opetition strategies: lessons from the maritime cluster of the Algarve region

The formalisation of co-opetition strategies by clusters encourages the maintenance of a collaborative mindset, but only if companies and other cluster members are able to deal with the apparent contradiction involving competitive cooperation. One way of increasing the efficiency of the open innovation processes increasingly adopted refers to the use of knowledge-intensive service activities (KISAs). Through enquiries carried out over a sample of 127 firms of the maritime cluster of the Algarve, we evaluate: the importance and current degree of consolidation of co-opetition dynamics inside the maritime cluster of the Algarve and the firms' perception towards their relevance. The role played by the activities based on knowledge-intensive business services on inducing and facilitating those co-opetition dynamics capable of triggering innovation within the cluster. A better understanding of the ways in which KISA contribute to innovative activities in the context of co-opetition dynamics inside clusters may lead to more effective public policy measures. As major outcomes of this study, we highlight that co-opetitive relationships must be constructed and managed through the enhancement of certain critical dimensions of firms' competitive strategies, inter alia, those based upon the development of more intensive competitive collaboration aimed at technological innovations and increased technological diversity.

Measuring the maritime economy: Spain in the European Atlantic Arc

Despite the importance of the socio-economic dimension of the use of marine waters, there has been little research in the field until recently, when interest has grown in the concept of ‘blue growth'. This paper aims to contribute to filling this gap with a socio-economic assessment of the main maritime sectors, focused on the Spanish part of the European Atlantic Arc. To this end, it first proposes a theoretical structure for the maritime economy and then collects and classifies comparable and reliable maritime socio-economic indicators. The data obtained allows us to assess the size of the Spanish maritime sector and the position of the Spanish Maritime Cluster in the wider context of the maritime economy of the European Atlantic, as well as discuss the appropriateness of a strategy of forming clusters at the national level vs. a transnational approach. The results indicate differences between regions in the European Atlantic Arc that complicate the development of integrated policies to stimulate blue growth. Extending our knowledge of the maritime economy of the European Atlantic Arc will make it possible to design strategies that address the real issues, increasing the likelihood of these being effective.

Cooperation and the emergence of maritime clusters in the Atlantic: Analysis and implications of innovation and human capital for blue growth

The so-called ‘blue economy’ is gaining emphasis in European policy making due to the expansion of its relevance beyond traditional economic sectors but also to new and developing ones that exhibit rapid growth. Much of the discourse has focused on the emergence and consolidation of maritime clusters. However, there has been less attention on the regional development aspect and this article provides a timely contribution to filling the gap in knowledge by presenting the findings and analysis of a survey applied to blue economy organisations in Portugal, Spain, Ireland and Scotland. Specifically, issues of innovation, human capital and social capital provide the basis of inquiry around the creation and consolidation of maritime clusters. The article uses the survey data to understand the determinants of the variety of cooperation dynamics. A key finding reveals that participation in innovation activities and absorptive capacity are critical factors in increasing cooperation. From the analysis it is clear that there are significant discrepancies in participation between sectors, such as tourism where participation rates are below average. The article concludes by defining the core activities that should feature in a maritime cluster.

Integrating Delphi methodology to some classical concepts of the Boston consulting group framework: arctic maritime technology BCG Delphi foresight—a pilot study from Finland

This article presents a way how the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) analysis tools can be combined with the Delphi methodology, and especially with the BCG portfolio matrix analysis. The Delphi Method is one of the most well-known futures research methods. It is an expert group interview process, which is based on two or more iterative rounds of expert interviews. Typical aspects of the Delphi methodology are anonymity and the conventional emphasis of consensus of experts with associated statistical evaluations. A conventional definition of the business portfolio is that it is the collection of businesses and products that make up the company. This article includes an experimental pilot study of the Finnish maritime cluster and its technological future options where integrative BCG Delphi methodology was used. Detailed pilot study results and learning are reported in this article. The study reveals a high potential of the BCG Delphi studies in the industrial and corporate foresight fields. Especially, futures of industrial product and service portfolios can be diagnosed and forecast by this novel methodological approach. The Delphi methodology is according to a metaphor “one of the best and constantly evolving computer’s operating system”, which can be linked to many other “programs”, among others to the conventional BCG tool package. To be strategically oriented from the BCG business perspective, the key issue strategically for European cities and regions is the strong local existence of Cash Cows (good and successful companies). Decision-makers in cities and regions should be interested in the strategy of optimum Cash Cow flows if they want to develop their cities and regions in the long-run. Thus, products with high market share and slow, but stable growth trajectory are Cash Cows.

Globalization and the Development of Industrial Clusters: Comparing Two Norwegian Clusters, 1900–2010

This article explores how clusters have reacted to the recent process of globalization by comparing the development of two clusters that are located in the same region, the county of Møre og Romsdal in Norway. These are the furniture cluster and the maritime cluster on the west coast of Norway. When international competition increased, the first one declined while the other prospered and became more global. Structural differences explain only partly the different development paths of these clusters. In addition, firms’ strategic actions and the degree of collectively shared visions about international operations mattered for how the clusters developed.

The Greek Maritime Cluster as a Driving Force for the Economy's Restarting

Clusters as a geographical concentration of independent activities have been for a long time recognized as a crucial instrument for promoting industrial development, innova-tion, competitiveness and growth. A vast literature and worldwide experience has emerged and is associated with the most dynamic economies. The maritime industries and services compromise of a wide range of sectoral activities producing internationally tradable goods and services in a most competitive world envi-ronment. In Greece, the shipping sector traditionally has a sizeable contribution to the Greek economy mainly by its revenues from seaborne transportation services. At the same time, the contribution from the other categories of the maritime cluster in domestic value added is relatively limited. There is a significant scope to benefit from more bal-anced maritime activities, with appropriate policies providing huge business opportuni-ties and generating production, value added, employment, direct in the maritime sector and the rest of the economy through multiplied indirect effects. By this paper, we aim to present the economic importance of the Greek maritime cluster to the economy and its related macroeconomic aggregates, as also in the country's ex-ternal balance, competitiveness, economic confidence and stability. We are going to attempt to explore future prospects and appropriate policy instruments in the main field of the Greek maritime cluster, by which the unexploited opportunities can contribute to the country's effort exiting from the current crisis.

Revealing Relevant Proximities. Knowledge Networks in the Maritime Economy in a Spatial, Functional and Relational Perspective

The maritime economy as a heterogeneous innovation system has ongoing relevance to the successful spatial and functional development of regions in Europe. A strong technological knowledge base underpins the competitiveness of the maritime economy, which is grounded in distinct spatial structures and proximities. The simultaneous relevance of global and local knowledge is particularly pronounced in the maritime economy through its inherent relevance to globalization and structural change. Conventional classifications of the maritime economy embedded in the discussion of the spatialization of knowledge-intensive activities and global value chains, however, limit the analysis to certain parts of the maritime cluster. This paper examines the applicability of various discourses on interactive knowledge generation and application as a process, based on a comprehensive dataset derived from cooperative links within the maritime economy of northern Germany. It suggests a framework for analysis that is activity based and focuses on the concurrent presence of different dimensions of proximity across value-creating systems. We explore spatial patterns by means of social network analysis. These patterns are industry-specific and have the potential to inform efforts to increase functional as well as physical connectivity in regions. The empirical analysis begins with the individual firm as an actor seeking to optimize its location for the purpose of competitiveness. It proposes an approach that is rooted in the ongoing discussion on spatial and functional dispositions for innovation activity and that bridges the dichotomy of knowledge-intensive services and manufacturing activities in the maritime economy.

The establishment of the Danish International Ship Register (DIS) and its connections to the maritime cluster

This article discusses the development of second ship registers and their interconnections to the policy idea of maritime clusters. Through a narrative of the contemporary history of Danish maritime policy, the article shows how these apparently different policy measures were closely related and together constitute a coherent framework based upon specific values, views of cause–effect relationships, and perceptions of major challenges and their context. Danish maritime policy provides an excellent case for the study of the contemporary history of maritime policy-making. Denmark was among the first of the traditional shipping nations to set up a second register, and the concept of maritime clusters became part of Danish maritime policy before it emerged as a construct in European Union maritime policy. We provide detail on the unfolding of some of the most important recent events in Danish maritime policy and highlight its development as a process of learning that involves the prolonged drafting and fine-tuning of statements and ideas, and the borrowing and adjustment of policy ideas developed elsewhere.

Maritime clusters productivity and competitiveness evaluation methods: Systematic approach

Many scientists underline the importance of the clusters as agglomerated industries, working for the same purpose with joined resources and potential. This article analyses the basic assumptions which turn organizations to be clustered: the Productivity and the Competitiveness. For the evaluation of those assumptions in Maritime Clusters, many of the methods practically are applied without systematic approach - some are focused to the port efficiency, others provide quantity of resources growth dynamics, infrastructure parameters or even explain productivity and competitiveness as the same assumption. This article presents the analysis of Maritime Clusters' Productivity and Competitiveness evaluation methods in systematic approach, providing the analysis on the mostly-used variables and parameters of the evaluation the assumptions to be examined.

Determination of Parameters to Model Seafarers’ Supply in Latvia

Shortage of seafarers is important topic as maritime industry plays a key role for economy of the European Union. According to the latest assessment of economic value of shipping industry in 2012, the EU shipping industry is estimated to have directly contributed €56 billion to gross domestic product (GDP), employed 590,000 people, and generated tax revenues of €6 billion. During recent years increasing attention is paid to the education and training of seafarers as the seafarers and their knowledge are essential to sustainable development of the maritime cluster, as indicated in the maritime strategy of European Union. Indicative estimates suggest there were almost 38,000 students/cadets in maritime academy – type training across the EU and Norway in 2012, a 11% increase from 2004. Understanding of current trends in the pool of seafarers is prerequisite for successful implementation of the strategy. Main obstacle for assessment of effectiveness is lack of possibilities to monitor contribution from maritime education institutions to current state of European seafarers’ pool. The aim of this article is to show parameters which should be taken into account to model seafarers’ supply in future. The parameters are discussed on the basis of information from the Seamen Registry of Maritime Administration of Latvia.

Understanding the ways and the dynamics of collaborative innovation processes: the case of the maritime cluster of the Algarve region (Portugal)

The Algarve region has always showed a close relationship with the sea as a result of its excellent natural conditions, historical and cultural reasons, and notorious know-how related with traditional maritime activities, such as fisheries and fish processing, and naval industry; more recently, nautical activities, such as tourism and recreational boating, have been gaining increased importance. The region is also well infrastructured in terms of public R&D institutions which are important cornerstones of the regional and national innovation systems. Through surveys carried out over a population of firms related to fisheries, aquaculture, fish processing and trade, nautical tourism, naval construction, and repair and shipping, we intend to: (1) characterize the innovation processes adopted by the Algarve’s firms of the maritime economy and evaluate some of the main outputs generated by R&D activities promoted by the regional innovation centers; (2) analyze the potential externalities linked to the production and dissemination of information from knowledge spillovers and knowledge networks; and (3) assess the strategic interest associated with the use of knowledge-intensive service activities regarding their role as sources and/or facilitators of innovation in customer organizations, or as carriers of innovation, when they help in transferring knowledge between or within organizations.

A Differentiation Framework for Maritime Clusters: Comparisons across Europe

The purpose of this paper is to point out some of the main characteristics and critical factors for success that can substantiate the proposal of a differentiation framework for maritime clusters. We conduct a benchmarking analysis intended to distinguish the most relevant aspects which can or should be observed in these types of clusters, applied to the following countries: Spain (Basque Country), Germany (Lander of Schleswig-Holstein), the Netherlands and Norway. The differentiation factors involve agglomeration economies and endogenous conditions derived from geographic proximity, essential for lowering transaction costs, strengthening the leverage of public/private cooperation through centres of maritime excellence, at the same time providing an adequate local environment that favours positive interactions between the different maritime industries and actors. The main results arising from this article are presented through a reconceptualisation of Porter’s Diamond framework for diagnosing the competitiveness of maritime clusters.

The Competitiveness of the Maritime Clusters in the Baltic Sea Region: Key Challenges from the Finnish Perspective

This article examines the Finnish maritime cluster by identifying the key challenges hindering its competitiveness. The main bottlenecks for the future are concluded to comprise rising cost levels in relation to customer demand, the need for human and capital resources, the need for financial and scientific support for innovation activities, and the lack of contacts and resources when competing for large-scale international projects. These issues are relevant also for the other maritime clusters in the Baltic Sea Region. Thus, joint policies and cooperation in tackling these issues could support the competitiveness of the maritime sector in the whole region.

Maritime Cluster Organizations: Enhancing Role of Maritime Industry Development

This paper analyzes Maritime Cluster Organizations importance for Maritime Industry future development by comparing Sector Associations and Maritime Cluster organizations, those structures, innovation, specialization levels and future perspective approach. Sector associations are mostly members of cluster organizations in order to cooperate on the realization of common interests. The main differences established between the characteristics of maritime cluster organizations are based upon the following areas: the initiative (top-down vs. bottom-up), budget resources and geographical scope. Cluster issues need to be handled within the cluster organizations based on transparency, communication and on the presence of leading individuals within the Cluster Organization.

Innovation types in the Finnish maritime cluster

Abstract The Finnish maritime cluster is an important sector of Finland's economy. However, literature on innovative activities within the cluster is limited. This article focuses on Finnish shipbuilding and marine industry firms. Several innovation types are identified. These are analyzed according to general characteristics of firms. The data is from a survey of 148 shipbuilding and marine industry companies; most of the variables are ordinal scale and are analyzed with standard statistical survey methods. Considering the significance and past technological achievements of the sector the results indicate surprisingly low radical innovation related-activity and attitudes towards it. As well, the results provide no evidence to support previous research, suggesting that the shipbuilding and marine industry produces more organizational than technological innovations. The innovativeness of the firms varies according to distinct characteristics such as size, intensity of in-house and collaborative R&D activities, and level of internationalization. The empirical results provide a platform for policy implications and directions for future research; innovations concerning environmental efficiency are raised as an important future area of development.