Industrial Clusters development and change in China

This thesis explores the development, key features, and theoretical evolution of industrial clusters, with a specific focus on their manifestation in China and their central role in fostering economic growth and innovation. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the research combines theoretical analysis with empirical case studies. The first part involves a comprehensive literature review that draws from academic sources to establish the theoretical framework of industrial clusters, analyzing their main characteristics, underlying dynamics, and the role of government policies and incentives in shaping their formation. Furthermore, within the broader East Asian context, the study highlights the uniqueness and historical progression of Chinese industrial clusters, using case studies to illustrate their development. The findings emphasize how China’s distinctive blend of state intervention and market forces has nurtured highly competitive industrial hubs, advancing both regional development and national economic competitiveness.