ABSTRACT
Different from the many science parks promoted by the government, Tongji Creative Cluster was originated from the spontaneous spill-over of university spin-off companies. Spatial networks and social networks in the Cluster reinforced each other and provided great momentum for the self-reinforcement of the Cluster. Flexible driving forces emerged in different stages and different places of the Cluster. Tongji Creative Cluster contributed to the transformation of its neighbouring district from an industrial base to a knowledge hub and proved to be an effective catalyst of local development in the geographical, economical and institutional dimensions.
