IoT/IoE and the Cluster Theory of Evolution : A point of view from the ecosystem

Abstract

Michael E. Porter defines a cluster as "A cluster is a geographically proximate group of interconnected companies and associated institutions in a particular field, linked by commonalities and complementarities". Some people have recently argued that advances in IoT/IoE technologies make a cluster meaningless. An innovative cluster relies on an incessant supply of human resources with advanced knowledge from universities. For that reason, the geographic location of clusters are consistent with the distribution of excellent universities. In areas where key universities are located, the importance of the role of intellectual service companies has been increasing in the ecosystem between local networks. Therefore, even in the era of IoT/IoE, these knowledge intensive business service entities are believed to be continuing to grow a sense of presence as a fixed element of the cluster. From the perspective of the ecosystem, the cluster has evolved along with having been changed from an industrial-based economy in the 20th century to a science-based economy in the 21st century.