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Stuttgart Automotive Cluster

• The Stuttgart region's endowment of human capital resources and closely networked, globally oriented large firms, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and universities are driving forces behind its sustained success. The universities work with large firms and SMEs to sustain Germany's dual education system of specialized training combined with practical work experience. They also undertake joint research programs with firms for technology development. Government agencies and trade associations connect various actors across the cluster and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations.
• While the cluster is considered healthy, its specialization in traditional automotive technologies presents challenges for the future as it transitions to a digital automotive environment and explores alternative technologies. Given the conservative strategies of the region's anchoring car manufacturers and the high degree of niche specialization of many small firms, the cluster might find it difficult to adapt in the short term.

Aichi Automotive Cluster

• The Aichi cluster's rich historical tradition of manufacturing, skilled labor, globalized large firms, and networked SMEs are the major driving forces for the cluster's success. Large firms are horizontally integrated and rely on sophisticated SMEs to contribute technology-intensive critical components. However, these SMEs rely on the large firms for access to technology, finance, product design, and quality assurance. They are closely linked to the large firms through long-term contracts, co-ownership, and financial co-guarantees.
• The universities sustain a flow of high-quality talent to the cluster, but have limited roles in research and development. Government support for university-industry interaction and for SME development is limited and ineffective.

WIEFC's Local Context

• Hangzhou's higher education system, which includes Zhejiang University, a university with world-class engineering programs; the presence of several skilled automotive firms in Hangzhou; and a skilled workforce offer resources that may be leveraged to create the WIEFC automotive cluster.