The effect of project-based clustering on export performance: The case of URGE

The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of clustering on export performance. In determining this effect, the perceptions of firms applying clustering strategy towards their cluster resources and export performances are considered. In this study, in order to analyze the relationship between cluster resources and export performance, 30 companies, which are included in the 2019 Ongoing URGE Projects list published by the Ministry of Commerce and accepted to participate in the study among the clusters approved in 2016, were interviewed and the data from these companies was collected. In addition to qualitative data such as the sectors in which cluster companies operate, the share of exports in net sales, the number of countries exported, their perceptions of export success levels were evaluated and the data obtained were subjected to frequency analysis through the themes. On the other hand, the perceptions of participating firms regarding cluster resources, government incentives and export performance, which form the basis of the study, were subjected to regression analysis based on the determined scales, and the size and direction of the relationship between variables were tried to be determined. According to the findings obtained as a result of the analysis made, it is seen that the majority of the companies (46.7%) operate in the machinery and textile sectors. The interest of machinery industry with high added value and the textile sector which is higher the competitiveness of Turkey is important in the context of cluster programs for the sector. On the other hand, it has been understood that half of the companies are well-established companies established at least 20 years ago, 26 companies are currently exporting and 4 companies have not yet made their first export. According to the findings obtained; It has been observed that cluster resources have a positive and statistically significant effect on export performance. When the magnitude of this effect is considered, it is understood that cluster resources explain the change in export performance by 12.5%. On the other hand, a statistically significant linear relationship (correlation) could not be found between cluster resources and government incentives, while it was concluded that government incentives did not have a statistically significant effect on export performance. One of the important findings obtained from the companies is that the cooperation between the cluster and technological research institutions such as universities and R&D centers was not seen at a sufficient level. This result revealed that initiatives such as university representatives and institutional partnerships should be increased in the context of the efficiency of clusters. Another important result is that the majority of the firms stated that they see a high level of competitor density in the region. High competition can disrupt the harmony of doing joint business between companies, as well as triggering initiatives such as product development and joint investments with the right management. In this context, this result should be one of the points to be considered for the strategies created.