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Knowledge Cluster Formation as a Science Policy in Malaysia: Lessons Learned

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  • Hans-Dieter Evers
  • Solvay Gerke

Abstract

Regional science policy aims to create productive knowledge clusters, which are central places within an epistemic landscape of knowledge production and dissemination. These so-called K-clusters are said to have the organisational capability to drive innovations and create new industries. Many governments have used cluster formation as one of their development strategies. This paper looks at Malaysia’s path towards a knowledge-based economy and offers some evidence on the current state of knowledge cluster formation in that country. If the formation of a knowledge cluster has been the government policy, what has been the result? Is there an epistemic landscape of knowledge clusters? Has the main knowledge cluster really materialised? Data collected from websites, directories, government publications and expert interviews have enabled us to construct the epistemic landscape of Peninsular Malaysia, and Penang in particular. We identify and describe several knowledge clusters with a high density of knowledge producing institutions and their knowledge workers. An analysis of the knowledge output, measured in terms of scientific publications, patents and trademarks, shows that knowledge clusters have indeed been productive – as predicted by cluster theory – although the internal working of clusters require further explanation.

Suggested Citation

  • Hans-Dieter Evers & Solvay Gerke, 2015. "Knowledge Cluster Formation as a Science Policy in Malaysia: Lessons Learned," Journal of Current Southeast Asian Affairs, Institute of Asian Studies, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies, Hamburg, vol. 34(1), pages 115-137.
    • Handle: RePEc:gig:soaktu:v:34:y:2015:i:1:p:115-137
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gerke, Solvay & Evers, Hans-Dieter, 2011. "Looking East, looking West: Penang as a knowledge hub," MPRA Paper 33980, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Evers, Hans-Dieter, 2011. "Penang as a knowledge hub," MPRA Paper 31763, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Evers, Hans-Dieter & Gerke, Solvay & Menkhoff, Thomas, 2010. "Knowledge Clusters and Knowledge Hubs: Designing Epistemic Landscapes for Development," MPRA Paper 33956, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 08 Oct 2011.
    4. Thomas Menkhoff & Hans-Dieter Evers & Yue Wah Chay (ed.), 2010. "Governing and Managing Knowledge in Asia," World Scientific Books, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., number 7526, August.
    5. Evers, Hans-Dieter & Nordin, Ramli, 2012. "The symbolic universe of Cyberjaya, Malaysia," MPRA Paper 39210, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    6. Michael E. Porter, 2000. "Location, Competition, and Economic Development: Local Clusters in a Global Economy," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 14(1), pages 15-34, February.
    7. Hans-Dieter Evers & Tatjana Bauer, 2011. "Emerging Epistemic Landscapes: Knowledge Clusters in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Thomas Menkhoff & Hans-Dieter Evers & Yue Wah Chay & Eng Fong Pang (ed.), Beyond The Knowledge Trap Developing Asia's Knowledge-Based Economies, chapter 10, pages 239-267, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    8. Hans-Dieter Evers, 2010. "The Knowledge Gap and the Digital Divide," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Thomas Menkhoff & Hans-Dieter Evers & Yue Wah Chay (ed.), Governing And Managing Knowledge In Asia, chapter 4, pages 71-78, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
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