Development models and policies for maritime clusters

Cluster research has been a key subject in regional studies over the past two decades. In waterborne transport geography, maritime clusters are centres of industry and economic development. This research investigates the corresponding mechanisms, originating from diverse modes of regional economic development, for maritime cluster evolution. More importantly, development models and policies which are suitable for each mode of maritime cluster development are proposed – namely the maritime production cluster, maritime service cluster and the all-in-one maritime cluster. Empirical case studies are presented for each mode of maritime cluster. As a whole, this chapter provides practical strategic recommendations for policy makers on how maritime clusters should be developed with a systematic plan and mapping, en route to higher value-added maritime clusters.