Information Technology Cluster in Kaliningrad Region: An Eternal Initiative or a Launch Pad?

Andrey Sergeevich Mikhaylov^1,

¹Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Russia

Cite this paper:
Andrey Sergeevich Mikhaylov. Information Technology Cluster in Kaliningrad Region: An Eternal Initiative or a Launch Pad?. Social and Economic Geography. 2015; 1(1):16-22. doi: 10.12691/seg-1-1-3

Abstract

The paper presents an empirical study on IT cluster initiative in Kaliningrad region, which by 2015 ‘celebrates’ its fifth anniversary. By conducting multiple interviews with representatives of the regional IT business community, local government authorities, and knowledge institutions, we examine how much progress has been achieved in establishing a full-flagged regional IT cluster. Research results suggest that an industrial approach towards formation of a cluster, as well as a broad view over IT sector is not conducive to the establishment of strong ties among a heterogeneity of actors involved in a cluster. The IT cluster initiative in Kaliningrad region has fragmented into a number of isolated initiatives driven by business community and build upon proximity of individuals’ aspirations. Regional authorities are inclined to neglect this disjunction and tend to follow their strategic objectives unchanged.

Keywords:
IT cluster Kaliningrad region cluster initiative proximity of aspirations informal institutions organized cluster planned cluster

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