Cluster-Based Industrial Development

Post-event Statement

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Background

Industrial clusters have increasingly been recognized as an effective means of industrial development and promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises. With the sectoral and geographical concentration of enterprises in an industrial cluster, the enterprises can better improve their competitiveness. This is due to the presence of specialized suppliers of raw materials, parts and components, machinery, skills and technology as well as other supporting services. Also, competitive or cooperative interactions and linkages among the players tend to result in collective learning and innovation.

Cluster development could be led better by the private sector with the government playing only a catalytic role. However, given the weakness of the private sector in transition economies, the government might initiate the process by putting in place appropriate cluster support structures. They include adequate regulatory frameworks, infrastructure and logistics, financial facilities, and various programs for capacity building and cooperative technology development and innovation efforts.

The main focus of the course will be on

• economic merits, evolutionary process, and essential elements of industrial clusters;
• roles of government in, and instruments for, the development of clusters in transition economies; and
• ensuring technological innovation for a successful transition to a quality improvement phase of clusters.

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Objectives

The course is aimed at helping senior officials from participating countries to

• Better understand the potentials of industrial clusters as a means of regional or national industrial development
• Share the experiences of cluster development in different countries, and
• Be equipped with analytical frameworks for the evaluation of clusters and designing support packages for the better performance of clusters.

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Outputs

• A concept note on theories and empirical studies on industrial clusters in both developed and developing countries
• About 25 trained participants who are prepared to better evaluate the potentials of industrial clusters and make strategic action plans for the maximization of their potentials
• Summary of course proceedings, and
• Workshop materials published in a book form and on the website.

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Participants

ADBI will invite mid-career and senior officials in the central or local governments of Asian transition economies who are involved in industrial policies and planning, local industry development, or management of business associations or industrial complexes. For maximum impact on participating countries and the possibility of developing clusters across borders, participants may be invited only from the lower Mekong transition economies and Myanmar.

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Language

English (interpretation not provided)

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Responsibilities

We expect participants from each country to bring a short note on the overview of industrial clusters in their country and/or case studies of particular clusters. These notes, substantiated to include the visions and strategies of cluster development, will be presented and discussed among all participants.