In today s globalising world, the regional specialisations built up over decades are transforming rapidly. Many regions that were historically production centres in a given sector are losing out to lower-cost locations and reorienting to higher value-added niches. National programmes to promote cluster-based approaches -- linking firms, people and knowledge at a regional level -- are being used to meet the challenge. This report analyses the objectives, targeting, instruments and inter-governmental role sharing used by 26 programmes in 14 OECD countries. It will be of interest to policy makers, researchers, firms and others active in promoting innovation and competitiveness.Table of Content : Executive Summary Introduction Part I. Synthesis Report Chapter 1. Why Are Clusters Popular, Again? Chapter 2. Where Do the Programmes Originate? Chapter 3. How Do Programmes Pick Participants? Chapter 4. What Instruments Do They Use and How? Chapter 5. Who Does What? Governance Chapter 6. What Have We Learned? Bibliography Part II. Case Studies Chapter 7. Canada Chapter 8. Czech Republic Chapter 9. Finland Chapter 10. France Chapter 11. Germany Chapter 12. Italy Chapter 13. Japan Chapter 14. Korea Chapter 15. Netherlands Chapter 16. Norway Chapter 17. Spain: The Basque Country Chapter 18. Sweden Chapter 19. United Kingdom Chapter 20. United States: Georgia Chapter 21. United States: Oregon
