How Does Convergence Influence Cluster-Based Economic Growth in Regions?

This thesis is a novel study examining the influence of convergenceon cluster-based economicgrowth in regions. The goal of which isto provide exploratory insights frombothnational and international perspectives. This research study examines the relevant literature in thefieldsof convergence,clusters,and regions. It thenadoptsideologies from the most salient studies,to create a conceptual framework. There is limitedextantliterature currently available on the connection between convergence, cluster-based economicgrowth,and regions. AnOECD (2011) report identified the importance of regions as they are themost effective place to make economic decisions. The convergence approachof moving towards equality, bottom-up growth,and co-opetition can be regarded as being imperative to the successful augmentation of a region. This research used a qualitative method (Bryman and Bell, 2015) with 30 semi-structured interviews. The rationale behind the use of a qualitative methodology (Fidel, 2008),is the limitedliteratureavailableon convergence.Therefore, in order tounderstand how convergenceinfluences cluster-based economic growth in regions, it is essential to conductaqualitativestudy andanalysis (Rocha, 2004)