The Cluster Mapping Project assembles a detailed picture of the location and performance of industries in the United States, with a special focus on the linkages or externalities across industries that give rise to clusters.

Data on the composition, by cluster, of state, regional, and metropolitan economies in the U.S. has been collected and analyzed for each year from 1990 through to the most recent government releases.  This unique body of information reveals the share of industries serving a local market versus those competing with other regions; clusters of industries with particular local strength; and an area's performance in terms of employment, wages, patenting, and new business formation.

The Cluster Mapping Project is a powerful tool for regional economic development initiatives.

Also see the work of our colleagues employing adaptations of the same cluster methodology:

• Canadian Cluster Data

• European Cluster Observatory

The Cluster Profiles are a set of standardized descriptions of more than 800 industry clusters in 52 countries.  Each profile measures a cluster in up to 120 dimensions including basic descriptive data, statistics on cluster competitiveness, and measures of historical performance.

The profiles serve as a base for further research, as a rich bibliographic reference, and as a tool for sharing of data among researchers and practitioners alike.

Building on the Institute's unique research into patterns of clustering in industrial activity,  this site profiles the trade performance of more than 100 nations across 43 clusters of export activity.  This powerful approach reveals emerging patterns and strengths in a nation's competitive trade position.  The analysis can be tailored to focus on particular clusters or world regions.

Published annually since 1979, the Global Competitiveness Report remains the most up-to-date, comprehensive data source available on the comparative strengths and weaknesses of leading economies of the world. The Report provides a thorough assessment of the world economy and is an authoritative tool to help develop an economic framework that supports private investment, entrepreneurship and social progress.

Michael Porter is co-director of the Global Competitiveness Report.