Entrepreneurship, knowledge and learning in cluster formation and evolution: the Windsor Ontario tool, die and mould cluster

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the role of entrepreneurs in the development of the Windsor, Ontario automotive Tool, Die and Mould (TDM) cluster. We assess Feldman et al.'s stage model of entrepreneurial-led cluster formation and their contention that entrepreneurs may be the active creators of institutions of cluster development. We concur with their basic thesis but argue that Feldman et al. do not address the role of tacit and codified knowledge in cluster development and the challenges posed by power asymmetries arising from the development of larger firms within the cluster and its integration into TNC 'knowledge pipelines'. A significant aspect of the current crisis in the Windsor TDM cluster is how tacit and codified knowledge is being recombined in ways favouring larger firms within the cluster. Larger firms have developed stronger associational relationships to protect their intellectual property, threatening to reduce tacit knowledge flows within the cluster.