Análisis estratégico de los conglomerados y la simbiosis industrial como herramienta de desarrollo económico para Puerto Rico

Abstract

The need of establishing strategies that offer a competitive advantage to countries, has fomented that the companies with similar aims settle down in near geographic zones with the principal purpose of reducing costs. These clusters can integrate the concept of industrial symbiosis, where the companies can interchange materials. The objective of this investigation is to perform a strategic analysis of the clusters and industrial symbiosis as economic development tools for Puerto Rico. A material flow analysis of industries in western Puerto Rico was performed, the necessary characteristics for the successful application of clusters and industrial symbiosis were identified and an analysis of the Michael Porter theory was performed. This investigation demonstrated that Puerto Rico has the viability to establish clusters where industrial symbiosis can be applied as economic development tool. The interpretation of these strategies will provide Puerto Rico the opportunity to reach competitive advantage in the global markets.