Cluster-Based Strategies for Growing State Economies

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Understanding Clusters and How They Form
Identifying a State’s Clusters
Initiatives to Grow and Sustain Clusters
Value Found and Lessons Learned
Glossary of Terms
Selected Policy-Relevant Resources
Endnotes

Published March 2007

The Council on Competitiveness and the National Governors Association (NGA) co-published the Governor's Guide to Cluster-Based Strategies for Growing State Economies under Arizona Governor and NGA Chair Janet Napolitano's Chair's Initiative on innovation to provide economic development practitioners with a fresh perspective on cluster strategies. This Governor's Guide examines the changing economic environment in which clusters function, summarizes the lessons learned from recent experience, and offers practical recommendations for cluster initiatives that governors can take to strengthen their states' economies.