Collaboration networks, support organisations and innovation in Paraguayan clusters

Abstract

is article examines the role of support organizations (SOs) in promoting innovation and competitiveness in Paraguayan companies. Six important clusters in the country are analyzed: meat and derivatives, dairy, ceramics and construction, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. Collaboration networks are reconstructed using data from interviews with companies and SOs. Network analysis, econometric regressions, and qualitative analysis of the interviews are employed. e results reveal how companies access external resources to enhance their competitiveness and foster innovation through cluster SOs. In the context of a developing country, cooperation between these organizations in cross-sector and crossterritory networks is crucial.