Cooperation and the emergence of maritime clusters in the Atlantic: Analysis and implications of innovation and human capital for blue growth |
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Affiliation: | 1. Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal;2. Faculty of Economics, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal;3. University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL), DINÂMIA’CET-IUL, Lisboa, Portugal;4. Glasgow Caledonian University, Lanarkshire, United Kingdom;1. Sustainable Fisheries Group, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA;2. Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA;3. Marine Science Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA |
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Abstract: | The so-called ‘blue economy’ is gaining emphasis in European policy making due to the expansion of its relevance beyond traditional economic sectors but also to new and developing ones that exhibit rapid growth. Much of the discourse has focused on the emergence and consolidation of maritime clusters. However, there has been less attention on the regional development aspect and this article provides a timely contribution to filling the gap in knowledge by presenting the findings and analysis of a survey applied to blue economy organisations in Portugal, Spain, Ireland and Scotland. Specifically, issues of innovation, human capital and social capital provide the basis of inquiry around the creation and consolidation of maritime clusters. The article uses the survey data to understand the determinants of the variety of cooperation dynamics. A key finding reveals that participation in innovation activities and absorptive capacity are critical factors in increasing cooperation. From the analysis it is clear that there are significant discrepancies in participation between sectors, such as tourism where participation rates are below average. The article concludes by defining the core activities that should feature in a maritime cluster. |
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Keywords: | Absorptive capacity Innovation Human capital LOGIT Maritime cluster Proximity Social capital |
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