Clusters
This section provides further details on the definitions of a clusters and key information on the benefits of clusters
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Cluster Summary
Cluster Directory
What are clusters?
Clusters can be defined as concentrations of competing, collaborating and interdependent companies and institutions which are connected by a system of market and non-market links.
How do clusters benefit businesses and the wider economy?
Clustering can bring a wide range of benefits to both business and the wider economy. The following are examples of the types of benefits than can be gained:
- Companies can increase the expertise available to them if they locate amongst a cluster of other firms.
- Social and other informal links are important and can lead to the creation of new ideas and new businesses.
- Businesses can draw upon others with complementary skills to bid for larger projects, which individual companies would have been unable to compete independently.
- The cluster enables an infrastructure of professional, legal, financial and other specialist services to develop.
Science City York’s clusters Bioscience York, Creative York and IT & Digital York are supporting the development of economic growth in York and across the North Yorkshire region. Science City York’s cluster approach also encourages informal networking, specialist business events, fostering entrepreneurship, business development services, developing skills for business and supply chain development.
For further details on cluster development policies, please visit http://www.dti.gov.uk/clusters/
Cluster Summary
Science City York’s approach to cluster development was based on work undertaken in the mid 1990’s to work with emerging bioscience organisations which has invested in the York area. Bioscience York, the first of the Science City York clusters was created in 1995 to support the transfer of knowledge, sharing information resources, co-purchasing of analytical equipment and share HR best practice between consortium members.
Based on the success of this initiative, the City of York Council and the University of York, two of the founding partners in Bioscience York, commissioned a wider review of York’s potential to develop other sectors of expertise.
In 1997, Ernst & Young produced a feasibility study which evaluated York’s potential in encouraging three inter-related clusters, in bioscience, creative technologies and in digital industries. The report recommended a number of ways in which employment, skills and business opportunities could be encouraged through the development of a dedicated initiative to support the growth of these emerging clusters. In November 1998, this initiative, Science City York was launched by the Parliamentary Under Secretary for Science, Lord Sainsbury.
Science City York’s key clusters can be summarised as:
Bioscience York - is an association of organisations working in core biotechnology, drug discovery, plant genetics, wound healing, medical devices, and bioanalytical equipment. The healthcare and environmental areas of the biosciences are developing rapidly throughout York and the surrounding area.
Creative York – a community of creative individuals and enterprises working with innovative and traditional technologies in arts, media and heritage contexts in York and its surrounding area.
IT & Digital York - growing network for professionals, businesses and organisations working in information technology, communications, software, electronics, digital and related sectors in York and its surrounding area.
