Specialized clusters rely on common knowledge resources and extra-cluster linkages, but how such resources develop over time is unclear. A case in point is how extra-cluster linkages are integrated into intra-cluster networks and the role of different cluster actors in enhancing cluster absorptive capacity. The paper explores the role of cluster intermediaries in linking clusters to external knowledge sources and contributing to knowledge dissemination among cluster firms. This perspective is relevant as manufacturing firms are facing rapid changes in technology, such as those associated with ‘Industry 4.0’. Two manufacturing clusters in Norway are studied regarding cluster absorptive capacities and the role of cluster intermediaries. The authors derive two types of cluster intermediaries with different kinds of service provision well-adjusted to the firm structure. Cluster intermediaries in both cluster contexts can assist firms in tracking and adapting to rapid technological developments.

专业集群依赖于公共知识资源和集群外联系，但这些资源如何随着时间的推移而发展尚不清楚。一个典型的例子是如何将集群外联系整合到集群内网络中，以及不同集群参与者在增强集群吸收能力方面的作用。本文探讨了集群中介在将集群与外部知识来源联系起来以及促进集群企业之间的知识传播方面的作用。这种观点是相关的，因为制造公司正面临技术的快速变化，例如与“工业 4.0”相关的技术变化。研究了挪威的两个制造业集群的集群吸收能力和集群中介的作用。作者推导出了两种类型的集群中介，它们提供不同类型的服务，很好地适应了公司结构。两种集群环境中的集群中介都可以帮助公司跟踪和适应快速的技术发展。