Abstract
As clusters have developed from an analytical concept into a key policy tool, numerous cluster initiatives, or collaborative organizations designed to enhance the competitiveness of clusters, have been implemented across the globe. However, while research on clusters is abundant, research specifically focusing on these emerging organizations is scant to date. This paper analyzes one such cluster initiative and its cluster, and in particular examines to what degree the public and private sectors (1) have the same understanding of the cluster's competitiveness and underlying strengths and weaknesses and (2) what activities the cluster initiative should conduct.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the extremely valuable encouragement and help they received from Madeleine Neil and Rhiannon Sanders of Uppsala BIO in performing this research. They would also like to thank Dr Anders Malmberg of CIND at Uppsala University for guidance and support throughout this project as well as comments on previous versions of this paper. The views of two anonymous referees are acknowledged. Finally, Robin Teigland would like to thank the Jan Wallanders and Tom Hedelius Foundation as well as the Tore Browaldhs Foundation for their financial support.
Notes
1. For an in-depth history and description of the Uppsala Biotech Cluster, see Waxell Citation(2005).
2. Universities in Sweden are generally public organizations.
3. More information on Uppsala BIO can be found at www.uppsalabio.com or in Teigland et al. Citation(2005).