Clusters and business networks in Poland - an overview of concepts and research results
ENClusters are an economic phenomenon that has been developing informally since the time of Marshallian industrial districts, and formally since the early 1990’s and Porter’s publications. The aim of this article is to review the theoretical concepts of business networks and clusters, with particular emphasis on the network approach, as well as the results of empirical research conducted in Polish clusters. Clusters in Poland emerged and developed according to the models described in the literature for more developed economies, and they are evolving over time. Clusters also fulfil similar functions and bring similar benefits to both the economy and the members of the networks. Different conditions of development, however, mean that Polish clusters face a number of barriers which are not necessarily a problem in more developed countries.
