For Choose DuPage economic development is a process and that process begins with a basic understanding of how the DuPage County economy functions. In the fall of 2009 Choose DuPage with assistance from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) began a detailed business cluster analysis of DuPage County. The goals of the program are:
• Gain a better understanding of the structure of the DuPage County economy
• Identify County assets that support the growth of clusters
• Access market intelligence
• Design marketing programs targeting businesses for retention and attraction
Clusters are different than traditional industry sectors. Clusters are defined by a group of interdependent firms that are linked through the buyer-supplier relationship, share common resources and technologies, depend on similar labor pool and institutions, and rely on special infrastructure. Industries and firms in clusters draw a productive advantage in being geographically located near these resources because it can help develop innovative products, build knowledge creation and enhance cooperation and competition among firms.
Cluster studies have been a focus in economic development efforts throughout the United States because of their ability to help regions understand their economy, build relationships among firms and identify strategies that can develop clusters as part of a long-term planning effort. Clusters can differ depending on policy or development efforts. A few examples include North Carolina’s “Research Triangle”, where three educational institutions became the pillars of a planned science park that is home to scientists, researchers and technicians. A second example, “Silicon Valley” in California is home to a clustering of high-tech firms, manufactures and engineers which has led the efforts in developing new computer and software technology.
The clusters used for this analysis were developed by the Center for Regional Development at Purdue University (http://www.ibrc.indiana.edu/innovation/index.html) under the auspices of the Economic Development Administration and cover a diverse range of specializations.
Advanced Manufacturing Cluster & Asset Map
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Cluster & Asset Map
Business and Financial Services Cluster & Asset Map
Information Technology Cluster & Asset Map
Biomedical / Biotechnology Cluster (Life Sciences) & Asset Map
Transportation and Logistics Cluster & Asset Map
Manufacturing Cluster & Asset Map
Printing and Publishing Cluster & Asset Map
Defense and Security Cluster & Asset Map
