The radical changes that are affecting world economy have highlighted
new structures and ways of competing for firms and networks of firms. A
possible and robust way to increase a firm's competitiveness and cope
with globalisation challenges is to implement and act as firm clusters. The
term cluster traditionally refers to an industrial model that bases its
advantage on local proximity of the members. However, members of a
cluster can be sometimes located worldwide, but linked through
information and communication technologies (ICTs). Therefore, in this
kind of context, the term e-cluster is used. This research aims to study the
process that leads to the creation of an e-cluster. Two case studies of
companies designing and implementing an e-clustering process are
analysed through an action research approach. The e-clustering creation
process includes three main steps: context analysis, the e-clustering
operation, and assessment of results. The paper also analyses what the
enablers are that foster the e-clustering process and their roles in the
different steps of the process.
