Subsidy and networking: The effects of direct and indirect support programs of the cluster policy

Industrial clusters have attracted considerable attention worldwide for their expected contribution to regional innovation. Recently, policymakers in various countries have developed specific cluster policies. However, there exist few empirical studies on cluster policies. Focusing on the Industrial Cluster Project (ICP) in Japan initiated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2001, we address two research questions on the support programs of the cluster policies: if the project participants who exploit various support programs are more successful in network formation within the cluster than others, and which kind of support program contributes to firm performance. We pay special attention to the differences between direct R&D support and indirect networking/coordination support. The estimation results, which are based on recent original survey data, suggest that cluster participants who exploit support programs (especially indirect support measures) expand the industry-university-government network after participating in the ICP. Moreover, we find that not every support program contributes to firm performance; firms should therefore select the program that is most aligned with their aims. Indirect support programs have an extensive and strong impact on output whereas direct R&D support has only a weak effect.

Research highlights► We examine effects of support programs of Industrial Cluster Project (ICP) in Japan. ► We distinguish between direct R&D support and indirect networking support programs. ► Cluster firms exploiting support programs expand network after participating in ICP. ► Indirect support programs have more extensive impact on output than direct support. ► We suggest effectiveness of “soft” policy intervention by innovation intermediary.