ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the definitional problems arising from the diversity of policies claiming to shape cluster development and considers the relationship between what are termed 'cluster policies' and their antecedent policy traditions. The ambivalence about the role of the public sector demonstrated in writings about the cluster concept is further reflected in direct commentaries on cluster policy. Many cluster policies aim to increase that tacit knowledge through a series of measures focusing on developing the common competitive advantages. Perhaps more significantly, cluster policy has a strong foundation in recent trends in spatial development policy. Despite the hazy boundaries of cluster policy, it is possible to identify common features in their design and implementation which separate them from parallel and preceding policy areas. These core concepts derive from a series of often locally-specific dialogues between the new insights into economic and industrial development provided by cluster development literature and existing policy frameworks.
