The Features and Evolution of Cluster Supply Chain Network

Abstract

Cluster supply chain (CSC) is a special kind of enterprise network with double feature of cluster and supply chain and is an important channel for enterprises close to the knowledge, resources, markets, and technologies. Cluster supply chain has special network structure and network relational which are different from general cluster and supply chain. In a particular industry cluster region, all kinds of enterprises and non-enterprise organizations around the core enterprises are connected to form local integration of supply chain through “trust and commitment” informal or formal contract. According to structural dimension and relational dimension of social network analysis theory, cluster supply chain network can be divided into four basic tie types: sparse-weak tie, intensive-weak tie, sparse-strong tie and intensive-strong tie. The study shows that intensive-strong tie network maybe appears negative effect of network innovation locked when developing to late, and eventually leads to cluster supply chain network disintegration and reconstruction.