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Regional food clusters and government support for clustering: Evidence for a ‘dynamic food innovation cluster’ in Alberta, Canada?

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  • Steiner, Bodo
  • Ali, Jolene

Abstract

Location-based clusters and virtual cluster configurations have received significant attention from policymakers due to their potential implications on productivity, innovation and regional growth. This paper presents a short review of studies that have analyzed clustering activity in the food sectors of several countries. The key insights from these studies with regard to the underlying factors for clustering success are contrasted with empirical evidence from the food processing sector of Alberta, Canada. This includes the presentation of results from an exploratory firm-level survey on government support for clustering activity in Alberta’s food. Considering the level of government support for innovation, the limited access to supporting business infrastructure, and the lack of effective networking between industry stakeholders, we find little evidence for an emerging innovation cluster in Alberta’s food industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Steiner, Bodo & Ali, Jolene, 2009. "Regional food clusters and government support for clustering: Evidence for a ‘dynamic food innovation cluster’ in Alberta, Canada?," MPRA Paper 26251, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:26251
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    Cited by:

    1. Temel, Tugrul & Phumpiu, Paul, 2023. "Policy Design from a Network Perspective: Targeting a Sector, Cascade of Links, Network Resilience," MPRA Paper 118466, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Hamann, Karen, 2013. "Networks as Drivers for Innovation – Experiences from Food Networks in Canada and New Zealand," International Journal on Food System Dynamics, International Center for Management, Communication, and Research, vol. 3(3), pages 1-9, February.
    3. Temel, Tugrul & Phumpiu, Paul, 2023. "Policy Design from a Network Perspective: Targeting a Sector, Cascade of Links, Network Resilience," MPRA Paper 118389, University Library of Munich, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    regional clusters; food processing; government support for innovation; Canada;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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