- What cluster effects have the largest impact on automotive software companies in the Gothenburg area?

Abstract

It has long been argued that clusters have a positive effect on companies’ growth and success rate. Why companies benefit from being present in a agglomeration of related firms and business have been broadly discussed among scientist in the field of International Business, and their view differ somewhat. Overshadowed by larger and more well-known clusters, the Gothenburg autonomous vehicle cluster has grown bigger and comprise more than 375 companies developing technology for self-driving vehicles. The cluster consists of both small local start-ups and multinational companies, all trying to use their co-location as an advantage. Since cluster-effects have the possibility to generate competitive advantage for firms which strengthen their international competitiveness, it is interesting to see which cluster-effect has relevance in a specific cluster or a particular industry. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyse the effects that have the largest impact on firms in Gothenburg which works on self-driving software solutions. The research takes a deductive approach and the authors of this report have conducted in-depth interviews designed to explore the organization's view on the external environment and their presence in cluster. The research shows that some cluster effects have little or no impact on the organizations studied while others are highly important in the Gothenburg cluster. The research also recognizes novel cluster effects that have not been mentioned in prior researches.