The Engineering Cluster of Dunedin, New Zealand

This chapter illustrates how a remote medium-sized city can transform from losing human capital and industry, to becoming one of the most important economic centres of its country, on the edge of engagement with the world economy. This case will show that communication is important to attract investment and highly qualified talents to a cluster in a less known region. It will also demonstrate that active policies and initiatives are essential to ensure the availability of human capital in the cluster. Moreover, this chapter addresses the challenge of building networks of trust and collaboration in an environment in constant change due to important flows of migration. Finally, Dunedin is also a good example of the efforts required to build and strengthen international linkages in order to expand the market and increase the network of partners and suppliers abroad.