Evolution of the clustering phenomenon in the Lithuanian grain sector

2011-11-08
Evolution of the clustering phenomenon in the Lithuanian grain sector

This paper provides an analysis of the clustering processes taking place in the potential clustering cores and indicates the specific features of the identified clustering phenomena. The study of the clustering phenomenon and identification of this process was carried out in the Lithuanian grain sector. The data was collected from four companies that could be named as potential clustering cores. One of these companies was characterized as carrying out most of its activities in accordance with the principles of the business cluster. Other one had only a few features of a cluster. The third one was identified as conforming to the corporate development principles, but is willing to join the cluster networks, and the last company, was found, is utterly autonomous and operates on the basis of the corporate development model in the market.

The research was oriented to explore the clustering phenomenon in the Lithuanian grain sector. In this paper the potential clustering resources were investigated and possible elements and specific feaUires of the cluster phenomenon were identified. For achievement of this task, Structured Interview, designed for the investigation of the clustering phenomenon and its features; and Dialectic & Phenomenological Hermeneutic methods, selected for scientific interpretation of the provided answers, were used.

Facts found by this research, leads to the understanding that clustering can become the transitory activity of group of companies, which leads to the reinforcement of companies positions in the market up to the time when companies will be able to act independently. Based on research findings, networks of Lithuanian companies can be at least grouped: into genuine clusters, into groups of companies which temporally behave as a cluster and into groups of companies which simulate clustering process.

Key Words: clustering phenomenon, cluster, cluster core, grain sector


JEL Classifications L20, L25, Q13

Vaikevičius, S.; Stalgienė, A. Evolution of the clustering phenomenon in the Lithuanian grain sector / Sigitas Vaitkevičius, Aldona Stalgienė // Proceedigs of the 10th international conference Liberec Economic Forum - LEF2011", from 19th to 20th September 2011, Liberec, Czech Republic. Liberec, 2011. ISBN 9788073727550. p. 557-569 (Web of Science (Conference Proceedings Citation Index)).