Tight Clusters or Loose Networks? The Critical Role of Inward Foreign Direct Investment in Cluster Creation

Abstract

Giblin M. and Ryan P. Tight clusters or loose networks? The critical role of inward foreign direct investment in cluster creation, Regional Studies. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of inward foreign direct investment in instigating a clustering process. In particular, the study examines the situation in which foreign direct investment is initially attracted to a region as a result of public policy initiatives rather than the existence of sophisticated local capabilities. Under these circumstances, the presence of large foreign-owned multinational corporations is shown to result in local knowledge transfers and regional reputation effects. These effects give rise to a clustering process, which contrary to other perspectives, shows that external economies can be captured locally from foreign direct investment. © 2012 Copyright Regional Studies Association.