ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the variety of support organisations, six basic supporting sectors are considered important for the evolution of Regional Innovation Clusters (RICs). First, agglomeration of production activities and inter-firm networks of production are necessary for the development of RICs. Second, services for supporting production and business activities are critical for the development of RICs. Third, innovation clusters should supply new innovative firms in order to sustain regional competitive advantages. Fourth, successful innovation clusters should continuously conduct Research and Development (R&D) activities for new product innovations. Fifth, in addition to the formal R&D activities, a collective learning process is also important for creation and transfer of knowledge in the RICs. Lastly, provision of supporting infrastructure is also important for the development of innovation clusters, especially in newly industrialised countries. Global innovation centres have a close network with Rectangle Type innovation clusters.
