Abstract

This chapter discusses the definition of clusters as innovation and knowledge-based systems or communities, and examines two cases where universities are being enrolled in cluster strategies – one from the UK and one from Australia. The cases are drawn from international research on the role of universities in regional economic development, and explore both the process by which universities have become involved in cluster strategies and the forms of interaction which are emerging. The cases provide an opportunity to examine the range of possible approaches and the advantages and disadvantages of different strategies