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MAROFF-2-Maritim virksomhet og offsh-2

A local cluster going international: balancing local and non-local networking?

Awarded: NOK 3.6 mill.

The KMB project aims to investigate how location in a cluster influences the internationalisation of firms, and analyse how increased internationalisation affect local cluster dynamics and cluster competitiveness.The project will develop novel insight to the research on clusters since limited research has been carried out to analyse the impact of firm internationalisation on cluster relationship. It will also strengthen the literature on internationalisation since this has emphasized individual firms expa nsion in foreign markets while our project offer insight into the milieu effects of such strategies. Finally, our research will develop actionable knowledge on how firms in a cluster can improve their internationalisation strategies. The research project will examine two selected clusters: the subsea cluster in the Bergen region and the maritime cluster in Møre. However, the subsea cluster will be the primary research object since substantial research already has been carried out in the maritime cluster. Comparative research of the two different, but related clusters will be carried out. In sub goal 1, we aim to examine the function and content of the subsea by mapping the business structure, levels of internal trade, cooperation and networking, knowledg e flows, external links, customers, and other. Second, we identify the competitive advantage of the clusters, including localised capabilities, economies of scale, innovation capacity, existence and flow of tacit knowledge, social norms and trust sustaini ng interfirm cooperation, synergies and complementarities among cluster firms. A cross-sectional design and survey will serve as method. Sub goal 2 deals with cluster internationalisation, internationalisation processes of firms, choice of market entry mo des, use of local cluster networks, effects of internationalisation, and other. Qualitative methods will be used to gain knowledge. In sub goal 3 we will make recommendations on cluster policy issues.

Funding scheme:

MAROFF-2-Maritim virksomhet og offsh-2