Emergence of Regional Manufacturing Networks: An Empirical Study Conducted within the NRW German Automotive Supplier Cluster

The success of regional networks of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) (or industrial clusters), such as Silicon Valley or industrial districts in Italy, have opened the eyes of both governments and industrialists for this new type of business structure, which is believed to drive towards a significant improvement of competitive advantages, (Soderquist, 1996 apud Mile´ Terziovski, 2003). Thus, many initiatives have been ventured, by both private and public parties, in an attempt to enhance network emergences.

The aim of this paper is to analyse the emergence of automotive supplier clusters using the approach of complexity theory. These analyses will be based on the specific case of a governmental initiative, named VIA NRW, of the state of Northrhine Westphalia (NRW), Germany.

Firstly, a brief introduction to complexity theory is given, rounded up by its links with network concepts. Subsequently, the phenomenon of emergence of networks will be discussed. Passive and active agents of the latter process will be explored in general and then in the specific case of VIA NRW mentioned above. Next, the results of this programme will be analysed within the scope of network formation and the emergence of one cluster will be analysed in depth. Finally, a structure for the emergence of network projects will be proposed, and, alongside this, conclusions and future research areas will be outlined.