Strengthening the competitiveness of the wine and olive oil clusters in Mendoza, Argentina : Optimizing the benefits of the cluster model
Banchero-Viklund, Solange (2012)
Kemi-Tornion ammattikorkeakoulu Lapin ammattikorkeakoulu
2012
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201205036194
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-201205036194
Tiivistelmä
ABSTRACT
Banchero-Viklund, Solange 2012. Strengthening the competitiveness of the wine and olive oil clusters in Mendoza, Argentina. Optimizing the benefits of the cluster model. Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences. Business and Culture. Pages 104. Appendices 2.
This Thesis emerged from my personal interest in exploring how the concept of clusters was applied in a real business context and therefore the wine and olive oil clusters in the province of Mendoza in Argentina were explored. The aim of this Thesis was to expose the different obstacles surrounding the clusters, outline future opportunities and explore the feasibility for strengthening competitiveness in the agricultural sector.
The data was collected through interviews and questionnaires. Cluster experts and members of the agricultural clusters were interviewed and questionnaires were sent to them. Additionally, documents and literature related to clusters were reviewed in order to create a triangulation of data that contributed to building validity for this research.
From the analysis of the data collected, a dichotomous vision of externalities influencing the clusters was identified. The different way both clusters were implemented was found to have no influence in the dynamics of the clusters, while a dependency relationship was recognized between one of the clusters and the government. Moreover, innovation was found to be only partially effective to minimize the political and economic external factors plaguing the clusters. In addition, a possible misunderstanding of the concept and use of innovation were detected.
The outcome of this research comprises information that could be applicable and useful for the future strategic planning of agricultural clusters in Mendoza. The recognition of factors influencing the cluster dynamics together with the strategic steps suggested on this Thesis could serve as an initial instance for outlining a feasible path towards strengthening the competitiveness of the wine and olive oil clusters in Mendoza.
Key words: clusters, competitiveness, dynamics, drivers, regional development, innovation, agriculture in Mendoza
Banchero-Viklund, Solange 2012. Strengthening the competitiveness of the wine and olive oil clusters in Mendoza, Argentina. Optimizing the benefits of the cluster model. Kemi-Tornio University of Applied Sciences. Business and Culture. Pages 104. Appendices 2.
This Thesis emerged from my personal interest in exploring how the concept of clusters was applied in a real business context and therefore the wine and olive oil clusters in the province of Mendoza in Argentina were explored. The aim of this Thesis was to expose the different obstacles surrounding the clusters, outline future opportunities and explore the feasibility for strengthening competitiveness in the agricultural sector.
The data was collected through interviews and questionnaires. Cluster experts and members of the agricultural clusters were interviewed and questionnaires were sent to them. Additionally, documents and literature related to clusters were reviewed in order to create a triangulation of data that contributed to building validity for this research.
From the analysis of the data collected, a dichotomous vision of externalities influencing the clusters was identified. The different way both clusters were implemented was found to have no influence in the dynamics of the clusters, while a dependency relationship was recognized between one of the clusters and the government. Moreover, innovation was found to be only partially effective to minimize the political and economic external factors plaguing the clusters. In addition, a possible misunderstanding of the concept and use of innovation were detected.
The outcome of this research comprises information that could be applicable and useful for the future strategic planning of agricultural clusters in Mendoza. The recognition of factors influencing the cluster dynamics together with the strategic steps suggested on this Thesis could serve as an initial instance for outlining a feasible path towards strengthening the competitiveness of the wine and olive oil clusters in Mendoza.
Key words: clusters, competitiveness, dynamics, drivers, regional development, innovation, agriculture in Mendoza