Economic clusters: A bridge between economic and spatial policies in the case of Beijing

•Planning and development in Beijing with respect to the role of economic clusters.•The development of economic clusters in both the planned and market economies.•Utilising economic clusters to achieve synergy between economic and spatial polices.•A spatial model to support urban planning by facilitating economic clusters.

Economic clusters have been recognised as important elements of urban and regional economic strategies, but their role in spatial planning is under-appreciated. This paper examines the initiatives and outcomes of economic clusters in relation to urban spatial planning in the periods of planned and market economies in China. Through an examination of the planning and development practices in Beijing, the effect of economic clusters in facilitating local growth and shaping urban spatial structure is revealed. The significance of economic clusters in achieving synergy between economic and spatial policies is discussed.