Tóm Tắt: Developing industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the Laos

Research Objectives and Questions The research pursues four interconnected objectives: developing a comprehensive theoretical framework synthesizing cluster development theories; evaluaDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the LaosDeveloping industrial clusters experiences of selected asean countries and china and policy recommendations for the Laos

FOREIGN TRADE UNIVERSITY

SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS

DEVELOPING INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS

EXPERIENCES OF SELECTED ASEAN COUNTRIES AND CHINA AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

FOR THE LAOS

Major: Business Administration

NCS SONEPASEUTH DALAVONG

HANOI - 2025

Supervisor: 1 Associate Professor, Dr Cao Dinh Kien

2 Dr Nguyen Thi Hoa Hong

Counter-Argument 1:

Counter-Argument 2:

Counter-Argument 3:

The thesis will be defended before the Thesis Evaluation Council at the

university meeting at the Foreign Trade University

At:

The thesis can be referenced at the National Library and the

Library of the Foreign Trade University

RELATED TO THE THESIS

1 Sonepaseuth DALAVONG (2023), ‘Experiences of selected asean countries and

china in developing industrial clusters’, The 17th Ifeama international

conference proceeding in Vietnam, ISBN: 978-604-330-711-5

2 Đặng Thế Hùng, Sonepaseuth DALAVONG (2021), ‘Đào tạo phát triển nguồn

nhân lực logictics trên địa bàn thành phố Hà Nội’, Kỷ yếu Hội thảo khoa học

quốc tế, ISBN: 978-604-343-330-2

3 Lai Phi Hung, Sonepaseuth DALAVONG (2024), ‘Factors influencing

industrial cluster development: The case of Laos PDR’, Tạp chí Kinh tế Châu

Á – Thái Bình Dương, Số 666 tháng 9 năm 2024

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Research rationale

The thesis addresses the critical phenomenon of industrial cluster development in contemporary economic development, particularly within emerging economies The theoretical foundation draws upon several key frameworks: the Resource-Based View theory emphasizing geographical concentration benefits, Knowledge spillover theory explaining proximity-based learning mechanisms, and Network theory illuminating inter-firm relationship advantages The research recognizes industrial clusters as prerequisites for regional and national competitiveness in global markets, particularly relevant for Laos's developmental context

1.2 Research Objectives and Questions

The research pursues four interconnected objectives: developing a comprehensive theoretical framework synthesizing cluster development theories; evaluating industrial cluster experiences from selected Asian countries; analyzing the current state of industrial cluster development in Laos through a business-centric perspective; and formulating strategic recommendations for enhancing business performance within Laotian clusters These objectives are operationalized through four corresponding research questions examining firm-specific capabilities, lessons from successful Asian clusters, critical success factors in Laotian contexts, and strategic frameworks for enhancing competitiveness

1.3 Research Scope

The research focuses on industrial clusters in Laos, incorporating comparative analysis from selected Asian countries The temporal scope encompasses historical secondary data on cluster development in Laos, with primary data collection conducted between September and November 2023

1.4 Research Methods

The study employs a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies The quantitative component involves statistical analyses of economic indicators and cluster performance metrics, while the qualitative aspect includes in-depth interviews with stakeholders and case

studies of specific clusters This methodological integration enables comprehensive examination of industrial cluster development dynamics

1.5 Research Contributions

The research makes substantial contributions across theoretical, methodological, and practical dimensions Theoretically, it extends contemporary cluster theory by examining its application within least developed countries Methodologically, it develops a comprehensive analytical framework for assessing cluster performance in developing economies Practically, it offers valuable insights for business practitioners and cluster stakeholders, particularly in the context of emerging economies

1.6 Research Structure

The thesis is organized into five chapters: Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Findings and Discussion, and Conclusion and Recommendations This structure ensures systematic development of arguments and findings, facilitating clear presentation of the research contributions

This introductory chapter establishes a robust foundation for examining industrial cluster development in Laos, integrating theoretical perspectives with practical considerations while maintaining focus on both academic rigor and practical relevance The research addresses a significant gap in the literature regarding cluster development in least developed countries, offering valuable insights for both theory and practice

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL

FRAMEWORK 2.1 Overview of industrial clusters

The overview of industrial clusters presents a sophisticated theoretical and empirical examination of cluster dynamics, integrating multiple theoretical perspectives to explain their formation, development, and impact on business performance The conceptualization has evolved significantly since Marshall's foundational work on industrial districts, incorporating contemporary theoretical frameworks that enhance understanding of these complex economic phenomena

The analysis demonstrates how clusters facilitate value creation through three primary mechanisms: enhanced productivity, accelerated innovation, and stimulated new business formation These mechanisms operate through complex interactions between cluster participants, creating what contemporary scholars term "local buzz" - the information and communication ecology emerging from face-to-face contacts and co-location of enterprises within the same industry and geographical space

Contemporary understanding of industrial clusters integrates multiple theoretical perspectives Porter's Diamond Model illuminates the interaction between factor conditions, demand conditions, related industries, and firm strategy within cluster environments The Resource-Based View explains clusters' role in developing unique capabilities through resource sharing and knowledge accumulation Institutional theory provides insights into regulatory frameworks' influence on cluster evolution, while network theory elucidates patterns of inter-firm relationships characterizing successful clusters

Performance metrics within industrial clusters exhibit distinct patterns differentiating them from non-cluster environments Empirical evidence indicates cluster participation correlates with 15-25% higher productivity growth, approximately 30% higher innovation rates measured by patent activity, and 35% higher rates of new business formation These performance advantages emerge through knowledge spillovers, resource sharing, and collaborative innovation activities

Innovation dynamics within industrial clusters demonstrate unique characteristics contributing to sustained competitive advantage These patterns include accelerated product development cycles, enhanced process innovations, and increased patenting activity The concentration of related firms and supporting institutions creates an environment particularly conducive

to both incremental and radical innovation, facilitating what scholars term

"collective learning" - the process through which knowledge is created and diffused within the cluster environment

The overview emphasizes industrial clusters' role as dynamic systems facilitating business performance enhancement through multiple, interrelated mechanisms This contemporary conceptualization highlights how clusters

create value and sustain competitive advantages in an increasingly globalized economic environment, providing a theoretical foundation for understanding their development and impact in emerging economies like Laos

This comprehensive overview establishes a robust theoretical framework for examining industrial cluster development, integrating classical theories with contemporary insights while maintaining focus on practical implications for business performance and economic development The analysis provides a sophisticated foundation for understanding cluster dynamics in developing economy contexts, particularly relevant for the Laotian development experience

2.2 Overview of industrial clusters development

2.2.1 The concept of industrial clusters development

The concept emphasizes deliberate efforts and interventions fostering cluster growth in developing countries' contexts The literature demonstrates that spontaneous emergence of successful clusters, common in advanced economies, may not readily replicate in developing settings due to institutional, resource, and capability constraints The development process requires targeted policies, investments, and support mechanisms, particularly focusing on upgrading and innovation capabilities within clusters

2.2.2 Related Theories of Industrial Clusters Development

The theoretical foundation encompasses four primary theories Agglomeration Economy theory explains how businesses and individuals congregate in specific areas to benefit from shared social, economic, and infrastructure advantages Resource Dependence theory illuminates how organizations require transactions with environmental actors to obtain resources, leading to complex dependency relationships Dynamic Capabilities theory emphasizes organizations' ability to integrate, develop, and reconfigure competencies addressing rapidly changing circumstances Network theory provides insights into relational dynamics characterizing industrial clusters

2.2.3 Assess the Possibility of Developing Industrial Clusters

The assessment framework incorporates three interrelated factors: territorial concentration of enterprises, industry relationships and dominance patterns, and network-building capabilities particularly in innovation contexts

The methodology employs location quotient analysis to identify potential industrial clusters in different territories, calculating relative local employment concentration compared to national averages This quantitative approach provides insights into cluster formation potential while acknowledging the importance of qualitative factors in development success

2.2.4 Performance Between Cluster Firms and Non-cluster Firms

Empirical evidence demonstrates significant performance differentials between cluster and non-cluster firms, attributed to shared resource availability within industrial clusters The Resource-Based View explains performance variations through differences in internal resources and competencies, enhanced by cluster-specific resources unavailable to non-cluster firms These shared resources, when rare, unique, and non-replaceable, provide sustainable competitive advantages through mechanisms including asset mass efficiency, temporal compression diseconomies, and social complexity

2.2.5 Factors Affecting Developing Industrial Clusters

The analysis identifies multiple critical factors influencing cluster development Country-specific factors include government policies, institutional quality, and infrastructure development Market-specific factors encompass firm strategy, related industries, and demand conditions Cluster-specific factors focus on internal dynamics and operational characteristics The interplay between these factors determines cluster development success, particularly in emerging economy contexts

This comprehensive overview of industrial cluster development integrates theoretical perspectives with practical considerations, providing a robust framework for understanding cluster dynamics in developing economies The analysis maintains focus on both academic rigor and practical applicability, particularly relevant for understanding cluster development potential in contexts like Laos The structured examination of related theories and influencing factors establishes a strong foundation for subsequent analysis

of specific country experiences and development recommendations

2.3 Literature review on developing industrial clusters

The literature review demonstrates sophisticated integration of theoretical perspectives examining industrial cluster development The

analysis reveals three primary theoretical streams that inform cluster development understanding:

Agglomeration Economy theory provides foundational insights into how geographical concentration generates shared advantages The research indicates that clustering facilitates specialized infrastructure development, knowledge spillovers, and resource optimization Contemporary studies demonstrate that successful clusters achieve 25-30% higher productivity through these agglomeration benefits

Resource Dependence theory illuminates how organizations within clusters manage external dependencies through strategic relationships The analysis reveals that successful clusters develop sophisticated mechanisms for resource sharing and capability development Empirical evidence indicates firms within well-developed clusters reduce resource acquisition costs by 20-25% compared to isolated firms

Dynamic Capabilities theory explains how clusters facilitate organizational adaptation and innovation Research demonstrates that cluster environments enhance firms' ability to reconfigure resources and capabilities, with evidence indicating 30-35% higher innovation rates in well-developed clusters This theoretical perspective particularly illuminates cluster development dynamics in emerging economy contexts

2.4 Conceptual Framework for Industrial Cluster Development

The conceptual framework integrates multiple theoretical perspectives to explain industrial cluster development and its impact on business performance This synthesis creates a comprehensive analytical lens incorporating Porter's Diamond Model, Resource-Based View, Institutional Theory, and Network Theory insights

The framework demonstrates how business performance manifests through interconnected metrics capturing both firm-level and cluster-level outcomes Research indicates cluster participation influences firm performance through three primary channels: productivity enhancement, innovation acceleration, and new business formation Empirical evidence demonstrates cluster firms achieve revenue growth 15-25% higher than non-cluster firms

Inter-firm relationship dynamics represent crucial mechanisms through which clusters create value The framework conceptualizes these relationships along multiple dimensions, including vertical relationships (buyer-supplier linkages), horizontal relationships (competitor collaborations), and diagonal relationships (institutional partnerships) These relationships create what contemporary scholars term "local buzz" - facilitating rapid knowledge diffusion and innovation

Knowledge spillover mechanisms operate through both structured and unstructured channels, including joint research projects, technology transfer agreements, and informal social interactions The framework recognizes geographical proximity's role in enhancing spillover effectiveness, while acknowledging the importance of absorptive capacity in determining firms' ability to benefit from these spillovers

Innovation processes within industrial clusters exhibit distinct patterns that the framework captures through multiple dimensions These include product innovation, process innovation, and organizational innovation Research demonstrates how cluster environments accelerate innovation through enhanced access to specialized knowledge, reduced experimentation costs, and increased competitive pressure

This integrated conceptual framework provides comprehensive analytical tools for examining industrial cluster development while maintaining clear connections to measurable business outcomes The framework's synthesis of multiple theoretical perspectives creates a robust foundation for empirical analysis while maintaining relevance for practical application, particularly in emerging economy contexts like Laos

The literature review and conceptual framework collectively establish sophisticated theoretical foundations for understanding industrial cluster development, integrating classical theories with contemporary insights while maintaining focus on practical implications for business performance and economic development

CHAPTER 3 ANALYSIS OF EXPERIENCES OF INDUSTRIAL CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT IN SELECTED IN SELECTED ASIA

COUNTRIES

This section presents experiences of some ASEAN countries on developing industrial clusters, including neighboring countries like Thailand and Vietnam, and other countries like Singapore, Malaysia

3.1 Advanced Economy Experience

3.1.1 South Korea's Industrial Cluster Development

The analysis reveals South Korea's systematic approach to cluster development through distinct historical phases The Initial Phase (1960s-1970s) established foundational industrial complexes, notably the Ulsan Industrial Complex, demonstrating strategic export-oriented industrialization The Growth Phase (1970s-1980s) implemented the Heavy and Chemical Industry drive, while the Transformation Phase (1980s-1990s) marked transition towards technology-intensive industries The Innovation Phase (1990s-2000s) witnessed emergence of knowledge-based clusters, with empirical evidence indicating these clusters generated 32% of national R&D output by 2000

Policy frameworks demonstrate sophisticated implementation strategies, characterized by institutional framework development, regional policy coordination, and financial support architecture Statistical evidence indicates clusters with integrated support systems achieved 45% higher productivity compared to those lacking systematic support Human capital formation emerged as crucial, with longitudinal studies demonstrating 45% increase in skilled workforce availability within clusters between 1990-2010

Key success factors include strategic government leadership, innovation ecosystem development, and public-private partnership frameworks Empirical analysis reveals clusters with strong public-private partnerships showed 38% higher investment rates and 42% better performance metrics compared to those with limited partnerships

3.1.2 Japan's Industrial Cluster Development

Japan's evolution demonstrates remarkable transformation through systematic policy implementation The Initial Phase established kombinato industrial zones, achieving 35% reduction in transportation costs The Growth Phase implemented the Technopolis Law, contributing approximately 45% of nation's manufacturing value-added by 1985 Contemporary Japanese clusters demonstrate sophisticated integration of traditional manufacturing excellence with emerging technologies

Policy frameworks emphasize sophisticated financial support systems through the Industrial Cluster Development Fund, incorporating targeted tax incentives and research grants Empirical analysis reveals cluster-based firms demonstrate 82% more patents and introduce 65% more new products compared to non-cluster firms Infrastructure development strategy emphasizes creation of sophisticated physical and digital infrastructure networks

Success factors include government-industry-academia collaboration excellence, strategic specialization, and advanced infrastructure integration Statistical evidence indicates clusters with integrated smart manufacturing systems show 67% higher operational efficiency and 48% better resource utilization compared to traditional manufacturing zones

3.1.3 Singapore's Industrial Cluster Development

Singapore's approach demonstrates sophisticated integration of strategic planning with practical implementation The analysis reveals systematic development through Special Economic Zones, with empirical evidence indicating 4.28 billion USD total investment in development organizations Policy frameworks emphasize infrastructure development, human capital formation, and technology transfer mechanisms

Success factors include strategic location utilization, sophisticated policy frameworks, and integrated support systems Statistical analysis demonstrates clusters with comprehensive support systems achieve 40% higher productivity compared to those lacking systematic support The Singapore model particularly emphasizes innovation ecosystem development and international market integration

The advanced economy experiences collectively demonstrate sophisticated approaches to cluster development, emphasizing systematic policy implementation, strategic resource allocation, and comprehensive support systems The analysis reveals common success factors while highlighting distinctive national approaches, providing valuable insights for emerging economy cluster development strategies

This comprehensive analysis of advanced economy experiences establishes robust empirical foundations for understanding successful cluster development approaches, particularly relevant for informing development strategies in emerging economies like Laos The integration of quantitative evidence with qualitative insights provides sophisticated understanding of effective cluster development mechanisms

3.2 Emerging Economy Experiences

3.2.1 China's Industrial Cluster Development

China's experience demonstrates systematic transformation from basic industrial agglomeration to sophisticated cluster development The analysis reveals strategic implementation of the "Reform and Opening Up" policy fostered cluster development through Special Economic Zones Empirical evidence indicates FDI inflows reached nearly US$300 billion by 2013, with industrial clusters maintaining average investment of US$233 billion annually between 2010-2019

Government policies emphasize infrastructure development, human resource development, and market demand cultivation The research demonstrates successful industrial clusters benefit from abundant workforce with high literacy rates, substantial domestic market demand, and sophisticated infrastructure support Statistical analysis reveals per capita income reached US$10,500 by 2020, creating substantial market opportunities for cluster development

3.2.2 Malaysia's Industrial Cluster Development

Malaysia's approach illustrates systematic evolution from based industries to knowledge-intensive sectors The analysis reveals strategic implementation through Industrial Master Plans, particularly focusing on automotive, petrochemical, and electronics sectors The establishment of the