E-clustering: from industrial districts to e-clusters

The radical changes that are affecting world economy have highlighted new structures and ways of competing for firms and networks of firms. A possible and robust way to both increase firm’s competitiveness and cope with globalisation challenges is to implement and act as firms networks or clusters. Actors within clusters are often linked through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The role of ICTs is fundamental especially when members of clusters are located worldwide. Therefore, in this kind of context, the term e-cluster is used The research aims to study the process that leads to the creation of an e-cluster. Two case studies of companies designing and implementing an e-clustering process are analysed through an action research approach. The e-clustering process includes three main steps: context analysis; the e clustering operation; assessment of results. The paper analyses also what are the enablers that foster the e-clustering process, and their roles in the different steps of the process