CLUSTERING: AN INNOVATIVE STRATEGY FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN OCEANIA

This paper presents findings of an exploratory research into the scope and nature of industrial clustering in Papua New Guinea, of which the paper argues that its thesis has policy implications for regional development in Oceania. Three case studies were examined so as to explore and determine the extent to which enterprise, industries or sector of the economy cooperates and derives mutual benefits in terms of industry development in PNG. They are: (1) The crocodile skins industry; (2) experimentation with the Malahang Industrial Centre (MIC) – promoted by the PNG Ministry of Commerce and Industry and (3) artisanal fish clusters in a Motuan coastal area. The tentative findings are presented in tables for cross case comparison, using four key indentified operational definitions as it pertains to industrial clustering. The results of the three case studies presented, provide the basis for both short and long term policy implications for promoting and enhancing industrial clustering as an innovative strategy for regional development in Oceania, of which a special reference is being made to PNG