Michael Porter, a Harvard University Professor, offers the following definition of cluster:
Clusters are geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, specialized suppliers, service providers, firms in related industries, and associated institutions (e.g., universities, standards agencies, trade associations) in a particular field that compete but also co-operate.
A classical cluster is the one where companies of various sectors, whose activities are focused on specific value chains, intertwine.
The fields to which cluster participants direct their activities:
- Information and communications
- Co-operation
- Training and qualification improvement
- Innovations and technologies
- Common pricing policy
- International development and partnership with other clusters
- Lobbyism