Using international examples; leading scholars present the first critical analysis of cluster theory; assessing the cluster notion and drawing out; not only its undoubted strengths and attractions; but also its weaknesses and limitations.Over the past decade the lsquo;cluster modelrsquo; has been seized on as a tool for promoting competitiveness; innovation and growth on local; regional and national scales. However; despite its popularity there is much about it that is problematic; and in some respects the rush to employ lsquo;cluster ideasrsquo; has run ahead of many fundamental conceptual; theoretical and empirical questions.Addressing key questions on the nature; use and effectiveness of cluster models; Clusters and Regional Development provides the missing thorough theoretical and empirical evaluation.
#2840971 in eBooks 2006-09-27 2006-09-27File Name: B000P0JNK8
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An essential part of the Design Thinking canonBy IngineeringThis book is an important addition to the design thinking literature. Whereas other design thinking discussions tend to focus on methods; this book explores the nature of design as a process/mindset: a way of knowing and working. It defines design as including such things as focusing on ill-defined problems; using solutions to better understand problems; and innovating by creatively bridging separate but related ideas. I found this approach to be deeper and more helpful than the traditional design thinking "emphathize define ideatehellip;" workflow. The book is very simply; straightforwardly; and well written. If you want to understand what it means to design; how to design well; and whether you are a designer/design thinker; I strongly recommend this book.14 of 14 people found the following review helpful. How to explain the inner workings of the designing mind...By Paul ClineCrosss book presents an updated collection of essays analyzing design behavior. Each essay furthers the argument for the value of design with insight into the inner workings of the design process. This is done by relating government research; comparisons of designers at the same task; and interviews with world class designers. The book elevates design thinking to an intrinsic cultural value and a basic human intelligence which should be taught to everyone alongside numeracy and literacy. Most importantly; Cross provides a challenge and a framework to advance design education and the discipline of design through the study of design thought; design activity; and the cultural artifacts of design.