Kevin Fitzgibbons Group Leader, Strategic Planning and Policy, Corporate Services Branch, National Research Council, Canada

Fulvia Farinelli

Abstract/Key issues: The actions of government and other organizations can catalyze clusters. The paper discusses the government role in cluster development and identifies actions, both deliberate and unintentional that have had a catalyzing impact on cluster competitiveness and innovative capacity. A recent example shows how the government mobilized cluster participants to cause action. The paper recommends to government, private sector and educational institutions how they can support clusters.