New Frontiers for Competitiveness and Innovation in Clusters and Chains Research.

The chapter discusses the co-evolutionary process of clusters and GVCs and the need for an integrated theoretical framework able to provide a more comprehensive view of the organization of global and local economic activities between global and local. It explores the heterogeneity between and within clusters and GVCs, and cluster-related elements that shape this outcome. By reviewing the key concepts emerging from the book chapters, it offers new insights on how to interpret, measure and capture the changes occurring at the cluster level, by developing alsoincluding a discussion on the role of global lead firms and local dynamic actors in such dynamicssettings. Furthermore, it suggests how research on clusters can provide inputs and insights for the GVC theoretical framework, taking into consideration the connection between manufacturing and innovation in the emerging new technological and institutional landscape.