The Performance of Seaport Clusters - RePub - Erasmus Universiteit ...

Chapter 1 - Introduction 5
Second, insights from various schools are incorporated in the theoretical framework. These
insights are included only when they are widely accepted in these schools. No attempt is
made to critically discuss the different schools.
Third, the case studies of port clusters test the usefulness of the framework and the validity
of the variables incorporated in the framework. So far, the only other framework that can be
used to analyze the performance of clusters is Porter’s diamond framework. However, this
framework is not well based on existing economic theories and concepts. This study aims to
provide an alternative framework that incorporates insights from established economic
theories. However, no ‘test’ is made to evaluate whether the explanatory value of the
framework developed in this study is better than Porter’s framework. Such a test is hardly
possible, given the holistic nature of both frameworks.
Fourth, the framework to analyze the performance of clusters is only applied to seaports.
Seaport clusters are likely to differ substantially from other clusters. Conclusions based on
the empirical evidence can therefore not be automatically generalized to all clusters.
Fifth, the cases give a description of the three port clusters at one moment in time. The
historical background is only provided when clearly relevant. The performance of the cluster
over time is not systematically analyzed.