No 2007/3 Global-local linkages, Spillovers and Cultural Clusters

Theoretical and Empirical insights from an exploratory study of Toronto’s Film Cluster

Abstract

This paper illustrates the importance of global-local linkages in cultural cluster studies by discussing the impact of Hollywood’s runway productions on the indigenous film cluster in Toronto, Canada. While global-local linkages are at the forefront of the current debate in cluster studies, the discussion has not yet permeated the research on cultural clusters. The paper identifies the limitations to the dominant models, inserts global-local linkages in the literature and applies it empirically. The inclusion of the global linkages in the analysis of the Toronto film cluster provides a new insight into the current development barriers faced by the indigenous film industry. The paper suggests how Hollywood’s offshoring and outsourcing activities to Toronto can be transformed into positive spillovers for the indigenous film cluster.