Discussing the Concepts of Cluster and Industrial District

Abstract

The significance and popularity of the cluster and industrial district concepts claim for a deeper reflection. The analysis of one of the European Commission’s (EC) policy documents shows inconsistencies that do not impede the formulation of normative statements. That way we answer the question of why and how cluster ideas have substituted industrial district principles and the consequences derived from that phenomenon.

Keywords

• Industrial districts
• clusters
• conceptual analysis
• rhetorics
• European Commission.