Understanding the Zhejiang industrial clusters: Questions and re-evaluations

In this study, we have chosen to focus on the cluster of business conglomerates, mainly comprising SMEs engaging in the same type of activity - similar to those observed in Europe (and Italy in particular) some thirty years ago. There are numerous zones of highly specialised development in China. However, among these, Zhejiang province is undoubtedly considered the most remarkable, and is seen as a role model in modern evolution towards a market economy. How have the Zhejiang clusters developed? What are the characteristics of this development? Is it possible to talk about a "third China" along the same lines as the former "3rd Italy" with regard to industrial districts? Do Chinese clusters in fact have any specific characteristics? These are some of the questions that we will look to address today.