Driving factors for cluster evolution: A multi-scalar comparative perspective

Factors and mechanisms underlying cluster development have often been investigated based on a cluster approach such as suggested by Michael Porter. However, supporting factors tended to be conceptualised from a static competitiveness perspective, and they were seen as locally based. The research presented here suggests viewing factors of cluster development as coexisting at several spatial scales. Furthermore, it is argued that such factors change in their importance over time, and that patterns are industry-specific. Relying on insights from cluster life cycle-, evolutionary- and knowledge base approaches this research investigates factors and processes for New Media in Vienna compared to Environmental Technology in Upper Austria.