'Tri-Nationality' as Major Challenge to Cluster Development – Experiences from the BioValley Initiative

Abstract

The paper analyzes the organizational transformation of the biotechnology cluster initiative in central Europe. In the tri-national context of the BioValley (France, Germany, Switzerland), cross-border collaboration is the key variable under scrutiny. Two distinct development stages are identified: The initial 'tri-national' phase characterized by a centralized governance structure and the second, 'regional' stage characterized by decentralized governance structures. In summary, neither organizational setups have managed to tackle the tri-national heterogeneity in a way that would fully unleash the potential of the region. Individual and territorial egoisms were at the heart of this shortcoming. The article therefore concludes by suggesting that whatever executive form (centralized or decentralized) the organization takes in the future, it must implement projects that are selected by an economically and territorially independent jury.