The case for inclusive growth (McKinsey & Company, April 2021):
Working closely with state and local governments, private-sector and civic leaders, and communities across the country, McKinsey developed a three-phased approach practitioners can take to realize a more inclusive economy. This approach is informed by an understanding that any successful effort will need to bring together technical expertise, adaptive approaches and mindsets, and community engagement to alter adverse dynamics in complex environments.
Accelerating Cluster Growth: A Playbook for City Leaders Executive Summary (JP Morgan Chase & Co., 2015):
This executive summary provides a set of strategic actions that can be taken by city leaders to accelerate growth within their respective industry clusters.
Rethinking Cluster Initiatives (Brookings Institution, 2018):
The five case studies were selected primarily for their sustained success in fostering the growth and development of specific clusters. The five cases illustrate a variety of interventions, organizational models, and funding sources in regions of differing size and economic trajectory. Two of the case studies – Central Indiana and Upstate, South Carolina – focus on key organizations at the center of their respective clusters. The other three – St. Louis, Syracuse and Milwaukee – are focused on the entirety of the cluster. The case studies capture important details about effective lead organizations and a broader view of actors that together make cluster initiatives work.
Accelerating Rural Prosperity Through Regional Collaboration (National League of Cities):
This article looks at Sacramento, CA, where economic development leaders, industry and university partners, and policy officials are creating a cohesive regional ecosystem to support the life sciences and agricultural biotechnology industry cluster.
Advancing a new wave of urban competitiveness: The role of mayors in the rise of innovation districts (Brookings Institution, 2017):
This handbook evaluates innovation districts & place-based urban econ development. Key areas include strategies to identify potential for an innovation district, engaging local leaders for a district strategy, and using city powers to strengthen an innovation district.
The New “Cluster Moment”: How Regional Innovation Clusters Can Foster the Next Economy (Brookings, 2010):
This report provides guiding principles on what makes a good cluster strategy. Includes provides findings around general principles, the value proposition of clusters, and the role of each tier of the federal system in enabling cluster growth.
What are Clusters? (Institute for Strategy & Competitiveness, Harvard Business School):
This quick guide provides an overview of clusters, defining them as geographic concentration of related companies, organizations, and institutions in a particular field that can be present in a region, state, or nation.
US Cluster Mapping (Institute for Strategy & Competitiveness, Harvard Business School):
The U.S. Cluster Mapping Project is a national economic initiative that provides over 50 million open data records on industry clusters and regional business environments in the United States to promote economic growth and national competitiveness.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (Edward J. Malecki, The Ohio State University, 2017):
This paper reviews the literature, concepts, and operationalizations of the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Overall, the review addresses several topics: the choice of scale, universities as ecosystem hubs, and how such ecosystems evolve.
Top 10 US Biopharma Clusters (Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News, 2021):
This article provides a top ten list of biopharma clusters and what makes them successful.
New York and Developing a Nanotech Cluster (Center for Economic Growth, 2018):
This case study evaluates the conditions necessary for New York’s nanotech cluster. In addition to necessary conditions in the ecosystem, this article claims that it took close to twenty years to fully develop this unique cluster.
Entrep Assessment and Priorities: Virginia (Teconomy Partners, 2018):
This final report (in the form of a presentation) provides a high-level assessment of entrepreneurial development and identification of potential priority actions in GO Virginia Region 2, which covers Roanoke-New River-Lynchburg. The presentation provides a project work plan, key steps along the process, a framework and situation assessment, and identification of priority action items,
Inclusive Clusters: Embedding Inclusiveness in Cluster Policy and Practice (Economic Development Journal, 2012):
Proponents of cluster-based economic development and regional equity have historically operated without accounting for their considerable joint interests. In this article, the authors examine the ways in which low-income and minority populations can more effectively be connected to regional clusters. This academic article proposes a framework that includes a focus on cluster selection, cluster process and organization, cluster performance, and cluster communication.
LifeSci NYC (New York City Economic Development Corporation):
Describes the $1 billion investment in life sciences research and development (R&D) and related innovation. Launched in 2016, LifeSci NYC is expected to create nearly 16,000 new jobs by 2026. See the strategic roadmap and press announcement for additional details.
Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (North Carolina):
The Triangle is an industry-funded, industry-led initiative of business, government, academic and nonprofit leaders focused on accelerating cleantech innovation and our cleantech economy. This coalition is an exemplary demonstration of how innovation, talent and collaboration can spur growth. Their Regional Impact factsheet is also an excellent example of how to demonstrate regional impact through clear and meaningful metrics via a dashboard.