Business Clusters in the UK - A First Assessment, published in February 2001, is the first UK-wide systematic assessment of UK clusters. It has been prepared by Trends Business Research for the DTI. Its purpose is to provide a snapshot of existing clusters across the UK to inform the thinking of Lord Sainsbury's Clusters Policy Steering Group and the development of clusters policy. It will be used by the Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) as a base source of information for their clusters development work.

The report is based on employment data and, although supported by qualitative information, it will not identify all embryonic or aspirational clusters. The joint DTI and DfEE White Paper Opportunity For All In A World Of Change, also published in February 2001, encourages RDAs to continue developing existing and embryonic clusters in their regions building on their existing capabilities.

The full text of Business Clusters in the UK - A First Assessment is available as several PDF documents please click the links below.

Volume 1 Main Report
Introduction(190kb)
Chapters 1&2 (170kb): covering approach and methodology employed plus main findings of the report
Chapter 3 (620kb): covering further discussion of selected clusters

Volume 2 Regional Annexes (Each 160kb)
Eastern - East Midlands - London -North East - North West - Northern Ireland - Scotland - South East - South West - Wales - West Midlands - Yorkshire & Humberside

Volume 3 Technical Annexes (400kb).
There are 4 technical annexes: Annex 1 covers the theoretical background to cluster research; Annex 2 details the methodology; Annex 3 looks at international performance of related industries and Annex 4 outlines the methods to analyses international competitiveness.

The Foreword, Executive Summary and Map ( 81 Kb) are also available separately.

The views expressed in these reports are those of the consultants and should not necessarily be attributed to the Department of Trade and Industry. You can contact the consultants by email: Paul.Miller@tbr.co.uk.

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