Neo-Marshallian Clusters and Global Networks: The Linkages of Media Firms in Central London

This paper examines the nature of the external linkages of firms in the media cluster of Central London, and draws implications for the competitive advantages that firms in clusters develop. The analysis suggests that although these firms are strongly embedded in the local cluster and rely heavily on resources and processes available locally, they also maintain linkages that extend well beyond the local cluster. We argue that firms need to identify a successful balance between localised sources of interaction and those residing at wider geographic areas, and to establish linkages at these different geographic scales in order for them to compete successfully.