Systematic literature review on innovation capabilities in clusters

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to map literature about innovation capabilities (IC) taking into consideration
industrial clusters to propose a conceptual framework that synthetizes the main factors and subfactors
responsible for ICs; in addition, the paper also proposes a research agenda.
Design/methodology/approach – A systematic literature review (SLR) was performed; academic
papers were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.
Findings – The authors provide a descriptive analysis followed by a thematic synthesis, in which we
present 05 enablers and 20 critical factors (CF) of IC in clusters. The proposed framework emphasizes what
needs to be done or improved to increase IC in cluster-based companies. Based on this systematic review and
the framework proposed, the authors identified opportunities for future research.
Research limitations/implications – The enablers and CF identified through SLR were not validated
empirically. Therefore, future studies on the current topic are required to validate the framework by
investigating which factors are more relevant to cluster-based companies that intend to improve their
innovative performance.
Practical implications – The present findings have important implications for the identification of the
factors and subfactors that may contribute to the development of IC, which may help managers and decisionmakers in recognizing which factors are the most responsible for business innovation.
Originality/value – The paper identifies enablers related to the development of IC in industrial cluster and
presents a research agenda. The framework represents a guideline for companies to achieve better innovation
performance.