Purpose

This study aims to explore the role played by a formal cluster initiative in supporting small firms' internationalization processes. Taking a public–private interaction perspective, this study aims to understand interaction mechanisms within an internationalization project implemented by a formal cluster initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative approach based on a case study of a Swedish formal cluster initiative involved in an internationalization project. The case is analyzed through the industrial marketing and purchasing approach, relying on the Actors–Resources–Activities (ARA) framework.

Findings

The analysis highlights the role of formal clusters as supporters and “accelerators” of internationalization processes. Based on the ARA framework, the roles of the public and private actors emerge: the cluster plays the role of orchestrator, supporter and financer, while on the businesses' side, participants assumed the role of customers, displaying various degrees of interest and commitment and giving rise to a leader–follower pattern. Activities occurred at multiple levels, interorganizational, intraproject, interprojects, through different timings and typologies. The main resources at stake were the combination of knowledge, complementary capabilities and financial incentives.

Originality/value

This empirical study provides novel empirical evidence and theoretical development over the phenomenon of formal clusters. This study contributes to the current debate on public–private interaction mechanisms and to the upgrading and circulation of international business knowledge.

中文翻译：

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支持小公司国际化的正式集群：公私互动案例

目的

本研究旨在探讨正式集群倡议在支持小企业国际化进程中所起的作用。从公私互动的角度，本研究旨在了解由正式集群倡议实施的国际化项目中的互动机制。

设计/方法/方法

本研究使用基于瑞典正式集群计划案例研究的定性方法，该计划涉及国际化项目。该案例通过工业营销和采购方法进行分析，依赖于参与者-资源-活动 (ARA) 框架。

发现

该分析强调了正式集群作为国际化进程的支持者和“加速器”的作用。基于 ARA 框架，出现了公共和私人参与者的角色：集群扮演协调者、支持者和融资者的角色，而在企业方面，参与者扮演客户的角色，表现出不同程度的兴趣和承诺，形成领导者-追随者模式。通过不同的时间和类型，活动发生在多个层面，包括组织间、项目内、项目间。关键的资源是知识、互补能力和财政激励的结合。

原创性/价值

这项实证研究为正式集群现象提供了新的经验证据和理论发展。本研究有助于当前关于公私互动机制的辩论以及国际商业知识的升级和流通。