Formal and informal cross-cluster networks and the role of funding: A multi-level network analysis of the collaboration among publicly and privately funded cluster organizations and their managers

Abstract Collaboration between institutionalized cluster organizations as a means of connecting firms across regions and sectors has recently received growing policy attention. Using a multi-level network approach, we explore the influence of different funding types (primarily private vs. primarily public) on the propensity of cluster organizations to enter into partnerships and of cluster managers to exchange advice. Analyzing data from 82 clusters in Germany, we show that while privately funded cluster organizations have fewer formal partnerships, their managers more actively collaborate at the informal level. Furthermore, we find tendencies towards funding-based homophily and cross-level closure at both levels, formal and informal.