Interoperability of Industrial Digital Ecosystems |
In an increasingly interconnected and competitive global market, businesses are on the lookout for strategies to enhance their competitiveness and ensure long-term success. One effective approach that has gained popularity is the creation of business clusters. But what exactly is a business cluster?
A cluster, in this context, is a geographically proximate group of interconnected organisations in a particular field linked by commonalities and complementarities (Porter, M. E. 1998). Such clusters usually span supply or value chains and specialised knowledge domains, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth. The terms business networks, hubs, and inter-enterprise networks are also frequently used interchangeably with business clusters. This concept is emerging to be a powerful way to foster innovation, collaboration, and economic growth.
Central to the formation and success of these clusters is the interoperability of the participating organisations' digital ecosystems, i.e., the information technology resources (e.g., data, tools, systems and platforms) that can function together to create value for the business. Here, interoperable digital ecosystems enable cluster participants to exchange and mutually use information to achieve certain business goals more effectively than they could on their own.
Through this survey, we aim to understand what you, as an industry practitioner, need when considering forming or joining a business cluster. Your insights will help us identify key intra- and inter-organisational requirements for cluster formation and how we can facilitate environments where businesses can thrive together.
Whether you're already familiar with the concept of business clusters or this is a new idea, we value your input. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey.