Business Clusters in the UK - A First Assessment
Foreword to the report
As Chairman of the Government’s Clusters Policy Steering Group, I welcome this report by Trends Business Research “Business Clusters In the UK - A First Assessment”. It is the first time a study of this type has been conducted and its primary purpose is to help the regional development agencies carry out the important work they are doing on clusters.
When I was asked to lead the Government’s review of clusters activity it was clear that the work of the regional development agencies could be greatly helped if they had more information on clusters in their areas, and that this information could most efficiently be produced by a national study. At that time our understanding of clusters and their relevance to the UK’s economy was patchy. We needed a systematically produced map of cluster related activity across the UK derived from a single methodology. Trends’ report helps us to make a step forward in terms of providing a basic source of information as well as a better understanding of the nature of clusters.
The report is only a snapshot in time, and because of weaknesses in the public sources of data it is difficult to provide firm evidence on embryonic clusters. I am sure, however, it will stimulate further, more detailed analysis by the regional development agencies and other key agencies involved in regional economic development. The regional development agencies have already contributed a great deal to the development of clusters and a companion document sets out briefly how they are taking forward their work.
Sainsbury of Turville
