This study examines the effect of establishment and cluster characteristics on different co‐operation partners in one particular region. Based on a survey in the Nuremberg region in Germany, we estimate a multivariate probit model and confirm other studies, in particular regarding co‐operation with R&D institutions. Establishments in the service sector are especially likely to co‐operate with local initiatives and networks, a type of co‐operation that functional cluster affiliation has no effect on. Co‐operation with local authorities is of interest only if establishments are affiliated with a cluster that is of importance to regional policy. Establishments that consider themselves cluster members are particularly likely to co‐operate.
Resumen
Este estudio examina el efecto de las características del establecimiento y los conglomerados en diferentes socios de cooperación en una región en particular. A partir de una encuesta en la región de Nuremberg en Alemania, estimamos un modelo probit multivariante y confirmamos otros estudios, en particular con respecto a la cooperación con instituciones de I+D. Los establecimientos del sector servicios son especialmente propensos a cooperar con iniciativas y redes locales, lo cual es un tipo de cooperación sobre la que la afiliación a un conglomerado funcional no tiene ningún efecto. La cooperación con las autoridades locales solo interesa cuando los establecimientos están afiliados a un conglomerado importante para la política regional. Los establecimientos que se consideran a sí mismos miembros de un conglomerado son particularmente propensos a cooperar.
We thank the editors and two anonymous referees for their very helpful and insightful suggestions for improvement. The paper has benefited from the remarks received at the CERS 2009, DGS 2011, NARSC 2009 and TCI 2009 conferences. We are also grateful to Sumit Mitra (University of Wollongong in Dubai), Neil Reid (University of Toledo), Harvey Goldstein (MODUL University Vienna) and Martin Wrobel (IAB) for helpful comments. We thank Hans Kiesl (Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Regensburg) for supplying the weights used in the estimation and Doris Baumann (IAB) for producing the map. The usual disclaimer applies.
