REGIONAL KNOWLEDGE CREATION IN CLUSTER PROMOTION ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH 'MA' MANAGEMENT

摘要

Despite some significant contributions to the regional innovation research field in previous regional innovation theories, there are still at least two theoretical gaps that need to be filled: (1) what are the knowledge creation processes among diverse members?, and (2) what are the structural elements, processes, and roles of cluster promoting organizations based on knowledge management? The purpose of this article is to create a new framework for cluster promotion organizations to fill these two theoretical gaps by introducing a new concept of Ma. The objectives of this article are threefold: first, to define a new concept of Ma, and indicate three main characteristics of Ma by integrating Japanese concept Ma with Chinese philosophy; second, to define the concept of Ma Management, and indicate three types of knowledge on which Ma management is based; third, to discuss epistemological levels, conditions, and structural elements of Ma management in a cluster promotion organization. We conclude that our Ma management framework in a cluster promoting organization can contribute to more effective implementation of regional innovation initiatives, and the advancement of knowledge science.