Innovation in Industrial Clusters: A Comparative Analysis of Three Cases Using the NRC Analytical Framework

Abstract

This paper presents a comparative analysis of innovation within industrial clusters using the NRC (Network-Resource-Context) analytical framework. Industrial clusters serve as dynamic ecosystems fostering innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. The NRC framework provides a comprehensive lens for understanding the interplay between network structures, resource configurations, and contextual factors shaping innovation dynamics within clusters. Through a comparative analysis of three industrial clusters, this study examines how variations in network structures, resource endowments, and contextual factors influence innovation outcomes and trajectories. The research identifies key drivers and inhibitors of innovation within each cluster, including network density, diversity of resources, knowledge spillovers, regulatory environment, and industry dynamics. By synthesizing empirical insights and theoretical perspectives, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving innovation within industrial clusters and provides practical implications for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and cluster managers seeking to enhance innovation capabilities and competitiveness within their respective clusters.