Networks, Cluster Development Programs and Performance. The Electronics Cluster in Cordoba

GIULIANI, ELISA; MATTA, ANDRÉS; PIETROBELLI, CARLO; FOMIN

The Impact Evaluation of Cluster Development Programs.

Fondo Multilateral de Inversiones (FOMIN)

Lugar: Washington; Año: 2016; p. 37 - 58

This chapter is based on the results of a study on the evaluation of Cluster Development Programs (CDP) (?Programa de Desarrollo de Cadenas Productivas?) in the electronics cluster of Córdoba, Argentina. It assesses the relationship existing between the CDP and the formation and consolidation of local inter-organizational networks, which constitute one of the CDP key targets . The CDP took place in-between 2003 and 2007 and it was part of a wider set of CDPs, called Programas de Integración Productiva (PIP), co-funded by the Multilateral Investment Fund (FOMIN), the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) and by local resources. The objectives of this study are threefold: first, it aims at analyzing the evolution of inter-organizational networks in the electronics cluster of Córdoba; second, it explores any beneficial effect of the CDP, with particular reference to the changes occurred in the inter-organizational networks, not only between local firms, but also between them and other external institutional actors (universities, government institutions etc). Third, it aims to investigate whether the changes occurred in the inter-organizational networks have generated beneficial effects on the performance of firms. In particular, the study will seek an answer to these questions. Finally, this study also aims at drawing recommendations for policy design and at suggesting best practices that can be useful for other future policy designs