• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.189-213
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• 2017

This study seeks to critically examine the significance and limits of the cluster adaptive cycle model for analysis of cluster evolution and to propose research issues for future analysis of cluster evolution based on this critical examination. Until the 1980s, research on industrial complexes including clusters was based on a 'static perspective' that focuses on the aspect of economic space at a specific point in time, but the research paradigm has recently shifted to a 'dynamic perspective' focusing on 'evolution' of 'complex adaptive systems'. As a result, the adaptive cycle model has attracted attention as an analysis tool of dynamically evolving clusters. However, the cluster adaptive cycle model has emerged by being appropriately modified and expanded according to the properties of the cluster and its evolution. The cluster adaptive cycle model is a comprehensive analysis framework that identifies the characteristics of cluster evolution in terms of resource accumulation, interdependence, and resilience and classifies cluster evolution paths into six different categories. Nevertheless, there is still a need for further discussion and supplementation in terms of theoretical and empirical research to expand and deepen the model. Therefore, research issues for future analysis of cluster evolution are to specify and elaborate the cluster evolution model, to emphasize the concept of resilience, and to verify the applicability and usefulness of the model through empirical research.

• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.567-584
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• 2013

This study aims to explore an evolutionary path of the IT service industry in Fairfax County using the Cluster Adaptive Cycle model in economic geography. The analysis is based on detailed historical and industrial information obtained through a variety of data sources including local archival materials, economic census, and interviews. This study also performs a shift-share analysis during the period of 1990 to 2011. Using the adaptive cycle model, the local IT service industry is indicated by a trajectory of constant cluster mutation. The evolution of the local IT service industry has been closely related to federal government policy due to the regional specificity of the National Capital Region and the proximity of the Department of Defense. Although the economic downturn of the late 2000s, the local IT service industry has been notable resilience and adapted to a changing market and technological environment. This constant mutation of the local industry is resulted from not only high resilience which is based on the large government procurement market, the reinforcement of adaptive capacity of the local firms and the network of economic agents such as firm and supporting institutions, but also high flexibility of the knowledge-based service industry to a changing business environment.

• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.303-320
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• 2018

This study analyzes the characteristics of the evolution process of the Gumi National Industrial Complex as well as its external and internal drivers based on the cluster adaptation cycle model. The Gumi National Industrial Complex has made remarkable progress through expansion in spatial and industrial realm and has become a representative IT industry cluster in Korea. It evolved during a growth period from the 1990s, a maturity period from the mid-2000s, and a mature stagnation period from the mid-2010s. But it has now entered a period of decline. While external drivers at the international and national level greatly influenced the Gumi National Industrial Complex in its evolution from foundation-building to maturity, internal drivers such as the outflow of large firms as well as a lack of SME research capacity and institutional base have added to the management difficulties of SMEs in the mature stagnation period. Therefore, in order for the Gumi National Industrial Complex to move into a revitalization period that strengthens resilience against external shocks, it is necessary to enhance the capacity of SMEs by expanding the roles of the central government, local government, and support agencies. In addition, it is necessary to create and embed strong medium enterprises within the Gumi National Industrial Complex, so that the Complex can be reborn as a sustainable innovation ecosystem.