Clusters - an attempt to respond to the globalisation challenge? : the case of furniture cluster in Wielkopolska

Abstract

The study starts with a review of possible channels of a cluster's influence on the competitiveness of companies-cluster members. Next, using the literature and the results of their empirical research, the authors describe Wielkopolska's furniture cluster. The research shows that co-operation is clearly underappreciated and perceived mainly as a competitive game strategy within the confines of industries. The companies under study are afraid to enter into co-operative relationships, especially with competitors. They do not see either the benefits accruing from co-operation with rivals or a connection between locally available resources and their competitive position. (original abstract)