Aproaches towards Cluster Analysis

Abstract. The purpose of this study is to review cluster research and the methodology used to achieve the target. Specifically, this research explores the methods that are used in research papers aiming at cluster study. Bibliometrical analysis is used depending on an original database, created by the authors, selected after close review. 33 research papers were taken into consideration, published from 1999 to 2014 in international scientific journals. The findings indicate that case study is used in many articles refering to cluster research. Other methods, such as analysis, interview, survey, research, equation and others are used to support case study. By analyzing the specific methods used in cluster research it is aimed at giving clarity to further research on the concept of cluster. It is well known that rather few research papers were analysed from the methodological point of view. However, this research requires a further analysis with a wider scope of scientific literature and works related to clusters.Keywords: cluster, methods, case studyJEL Classifications: L82, M20, P12, P26InroductionBusiness clustering phenomena is associated with good practice of entrepreneurship leading to sustainable development of industries, regions and countries (Bonetto et al. 2014; Caurkubule, Rubanovskis 2014; Cuneo et al. 2014; Dudzeviciute 2013; Figurska 2014; Lauzikas, Mokseckiene 2013; Raudeliuniene et al. 2014; Prause 2014; Tvaronaviciene et al. 2014).The concept of cluster has born in the strategic literature and later it has spanned through a wide range of disciplines. The concept has been changed, adapted and gained theoretical power by finding application to different fields. There are several definitions of a cluster coexisting as well as several applications to different socio-economic contexts, stressing one or more of the particular features of cluster. The concept of cluster can be considered as a puzzle made of different pieces and elaborated from the original literature of clusters or borrowed from other fields of study.Being an increasingly popular topic, cluster is strongly criticized by some authors as it is indistinct, lacking unique definition and has problems related to its measurability. The feature of being indistinct might be supported by the evolutionary nature of a cluster concept. It has spanned through a wide range of disciplines finding application to different fields (econom- ics, management, organization studies, sociology, economic geography, regional studies, urban planning and innovation studies). After fully entering the political discourse, cluster concept leaded to the design of policy interventions in many countries. The cluster as a policy tool could be applied in many different socio-economic contents.This work positions itself in the interest of the methology that is used in cluster research. Variety of authors has been analysing the impact of the cluster to the economics of the firms belonging to it. By analysing scientific literature and researches carried out in order to get a better knowledge of a cluster, this paper was designed and writen. The attempt was to explore in details how cluster research became successful.The purpose of this study is to review cluster research and the methodology used to achieve the target. Specifically, this research explores the methods that are used in research papers aiming at cluster study. It is well known that rather few research papers were analysed from the methodological point of view. This research requires a further analysis with a wider scope of scientific literature and works related to clusters. Bibliometric analysis can also suffer from some biases which are generated by the personal opinion of the author as the articles were chosen from a number of scientific journals in the Emerald database. The concept is used in various disciplines, by different scientific communities and in different context. …