Maritime knowledge clusters: A conceptual model and empirical evidence

Maritime Knowledge Clusters (MKCs) are the advanced stage in the evolution path of maritime clusters. Earlier literature however mostly focused on either the characteristics i.e. critical success factors or competitiveness of maritime clusters in general and not on the components of MKCs, their interrelationships, and impact on the performance of constituent firms. This study proposes and tests a conceptual model of Maritime Knowledge Clusters (MKC) and the relations between their components, making use of survey data from 203 shipping professionals located in Singapore. Three theoretical perspectives, namely, relational view, knowledge-based view and resource-based view, have been employed. The results demonstrate that MKCs are substantiated by three critical components, in which the local knowledge cluster can develop global systemic mechanisms, thus further strengthening global linkages. Policy makers must endeavor to create a conducive local cluster environment with maritime firms being located in geographical proximity, and having local networks, knowledge base, and knowledge flows. They form the fundamental foundation for the growth of MKCs. Besides, maritime firms shall optimize the MKC's local knowledge cluster to facilitate their global expansion, which will in turn boost the internationalization of the MKC.