Local Clusters as “Building Blocks” for Smart Specialization Strategies: A Dynamic SWOT Analysis Application in the Case of San Diego (US)

Abstract

The paper aimed at exploring the role of local industrial clusters as a part of an important evidence-based pathway for operationalizing smart specialization policy. Hitherto, the scientific debate has been largely focused on the relationship of clusters with the local business environment to boost competitiveness and has mostly searched for the operationalization of smart specialization policy in economically successful regions. However, the understanding of the role of local clusters (LCs), in terms of cluster industries that serve local businesses and residents, as potential “building-blocks” of Smart Specialization Strategies (S3) still lacks interpretive studies. We proposed a conceptual framework to unveil those factors of LCs that may be enhanced in the S3 policy design, around the concepts of adaptiveness and responsiveness to structural and influencing features of a local economic system. The distinction between Local and Traded clusters, applied in the US context, allows the identification of Local Cluster performance because of the availability of a robust data set. Accordingly, a tool is proposed to investigate those factors that are likely empowering smart specialization strategies: The dynamic SWOT analysis on the case of San Diego provides interesting insights toward building this conceptual framework. The findings may help explain how to relate LCs with smart specialization as building-blocks, based on potential risks and opportunities associated with the local economic system.

Using the Dynamic SWOT Analysis to Assess Options for Implementing the HB-HTA Model

“…In the second stage of the research, the Dynamic SWOT analysis was applied [ 23 ]. The framework of the Dynamic SWOT is presented later in this section.…”

“…This concept was derived from the framework established by Bezzi [ 22 ]. Secondly, a Dynamic Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis framework is used to predict the results of the implementation of models in public policy [ 23 ], in this case, the implementation of HB-HTA in response to the dynamics of the healthcare system. The Dynamic SWOT framework provides evidence of the interdependency between the strengths and weaknesses of the HB-HTA model and the opportunities and threats resulting from the system-based conditions.…”

Methodological Basis of Formation of Strategic Management Accounting in It-Cluster

“…The analysis of research and problem statement.General aspects of the study of scientific and practical problems of strategic management development in the cluster have been the subject of research by a number of scientists. In particular, Kuei-Hsien Niu, Grant Miles, Chung-Shing Lee studied the strategic development of network clusters in the context of global competitiveness [1], C. Bevilacqua, I. G. Anversa, G. Cantafio and P. Pizzimenti investigated local cluster strategies [2], J. S. Tsertseil considered the mechanisms of strategic management of the petrochemical cluster in the Republic of Tatarstan [3], K. B. Dobrova conducted a comprehensive study of financial and economic aspects of strategic management of industrial clusters [4], O. V. Kostenko analyzed methodological approaches to building a cluster development strategy [5].…”

Digital Indicators for a SWOT Analysis Matrix and Spatial Interaction of Development Potentials: Samawah City as a Model

“…Tsangas et al [4] employed a set of indicators such as SWOT analyse to assess the sustainability of the new sector. Bevilacqua et al [5] reported that a SWOT analysis provides interesting insights toward building this conceptual framework. Jeleski et al [6] employed a SWOT analysis to classify factors that influence the smart management of RES potential, specifically household decisions about switching to renewable energy sources.…”