Abstract

The main aim of the paper is to analyze the level of development of cooperative relationships in localized cooperation networks – among enterprises associated in cluster organizations and park tenants. The author reports the findings from the quantitative study carried out in the selected cluster organizations and technology parks functioning in Poland. The basic method of data collection was a survey questionnaire. The research sample included 132 respondents from cluster enterprises and 137 from park tenants. In addition, a comparative analysis was conducted. The research is based on the original concept of the trajectory of development of cooperative relationships in cluster organizations. The current study focused on three main areas of inter-organizational cooperation: motivation, effectiveness, and commitment. The effectiveness of the surveyed enterprises in both groups should be assessed as quite low, while their attitude as passive. The study shows that the most common forms of cooperation are those assigned to the lowest level of cooperation – the surveyed enterprises achieved level I, regardless of their initial motivation. At this level, the surveyed enterprises also showed the greatest commitment. In contrast, it was the most difficult for them to achieve the highest level IV, which requires the highest level of commitment. The knowledge of the identified relationships among motivation, effectiveness, and commitment in cluster and park structures can help these organizations to take conscious actions aimed at developing cooperation among their members/tenants. The findings add to the state-of-the-art knowledge in the concept of industrial clusters, as they shed new light on cooperation developed within formally established organizations, based on geographical proximity, focused on the networking of their constituent companies.

Author (1)