The\u00a0article benchmarks the competitiveness and innovation\u00a0 performances of two information technology clusters from Finland and Turkey. It is interesting to observe that while the Finnish cluster is more competitive, the innovation performances of the clusters are\u00a0the same.<\/p>\n
Abstract: <\/b>Although clusters have been identified as influential mechanisms to drive knowledge-based innovations, there have not been many attempts to evaluate their competitiveness and explore the link between competitiveness and innovation performance. This study takes a novel approach and develops an assessment scheme to operationalize the emerald model for benchmarking competitiveness of two information technology (IT) clusters from Finland and Turkey. Despite that the cluster in Finland is more competitive in the dimensions of R&D and innovation attractiveness, ownership attractiveness, and environmental attractiveness, the innovation performances of the two clusters are surprisingly equal. This preliminary exploratory study suggests that environmental attractiveness is not a significant dimension of competitiveness for promoting innovation performance. Further research is needed to understand which of the other dimensions of competitiveness are more influential in driving innovation performance in clusters.<\/p>\n
Keywords:<\/strong> Cluster, competitiveness, emerald model, innovation, information technology, benchmarking, Finland, Turkey<\/p>\n Authors:<\/strong><\/p>\n Murat Akpinar, JAMK University of Applied Sciences, School of Business, Rajakatu 35, 40200, Jyv\u00e4skyl\u00e4, Finland, murat.akpinar (at) jamk.fi<\/a><\/p>\n Melike Mermercioglu, Koc University, Graduate School of Business, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sar\u0131yer, 34450, Istanbul, Turkey, mmermercioglu (at) ku.edu.tr<\/a><\/p>\n See video interview here<\/a>.<\/p>\n