文档介绍：Industrial clusters in Denmark: Theory and
empirical evidence
Sten Engelstoft1, Chris Jensen-Butler2, Ian Smith3, Lars Winther4
1,4 Department of Geography, University of Copenhagen, Øster Voldgade 10, DK-1350 Copenhagen
K Tel: +45 35322500, Emails: ******@, ******@
2,3 School of Economics and Finance, University of St Andrews, St. Andrews, KY16 9AL,
Scotland, UK. Tel: +44 1334 462442, Fax: +44 1334 462444, Emails: ******@st-,
******@st-
Received: 15 March 2005 / Accepted: 13 June 2005
Abstract. This article tests the hypothesis that two industrial clusters exist
in Jutland, Denmark. The article first discusses the theory of agglomeration
economies in relation to industrial clusters, particularly with respect to spill-
over effects as a positive technological externality. Different methodological
approaches to the identification of these effects are examined. In the light of this
discussion, the article investigates the performance of two Danish industrial clus-
ters that are frequently identified and examined in the literature. Little evidence
is found to support claims concerning the existence and performance of the two
clusters, raising wider doubts about cluster-based industrial policy.
JEL classification: L16, L52, R12
Key words: Industrial clusters, agglomeration economies, Danish industrial
clusters
1 Introduction
In recent years, there has been a substantial growth of interest in industrial clus-
ters from economists, economic geographers and policy-makers. There is an
increasing realisation amongst economists that the spatial distribution of eco-
nomic activity is important for understanding economic growth, leading to a
growing interest in the economics of petition, related in turn
to increasing returns, agglomeration economies (Krugman 1991) and endogen-
ous growth theory involving knowledge spillover effects (Romer 1986, 1990).
© 2006 the author(s). pilation © 2006 RSAI. Published by Black