ABSTRACT
In the previous chapter a theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of local industrial clusters has been conducted. This analysis provides some useful insights. It separates several questions, such as the questions of why local industrial clusters exist, and when and where they emerge. Furthermore, several conclusions about the features and characteristics involved in the evolution of local industrial clusters have been identified from the theoretical modelling. However, a theoretical analysis is only able to make logical arguments. It is able to identify necessary or sufficient conditions for certain phenomena, such as local industrial clusters. It is, however, not able to state whether and to what extent these phenomena really do exist. These are empirical questions.
