An implementation and management framework for cluster initiatives in South Africa

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Clustering has emerged as one of the drivers for economic growth and improved competitiveness for specific industries. In order for cluster initiatives to be successful, they need to be managed in a certain way. The importance of excellent cluster management has been increasingly realised in the past years. Certain factors of cluster management are considered to lead to success in the management of cluster initiatives as identified in published research. In the same vain, certain aspects of cluster program management are considered to lead to success. A cluster program run by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCPG) in South Africa is analysed and compared to the generic success factors in cluster program management. Selected cluster initiatives in the Western Cape are analysed and compared with each other as well as to these success factors in cluster management. The Western Cape Tooling Initiative (WCTI), a cluster initiative in the tool, die and mould making industry, is analysed in more detail, and compared to the other cluster initiatives, all of which but one are part of the cluster program. WCTI is found to not have been following success factors in cluster management, and the rate of progress of the WCTI from when it was started supports that fact. However, recent changes in the leadership of the cluster initiative have brought about changes in WCTI's cluster management emphasis and signs of increased success can be noticed, even though the full effect will not be felt until after some years as success in cluster management takes years to be realised.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University