WIPO Economic Clusters 2025: A Few Ideas on Small and Large Clusters through Micro-Transactions

Hedging technology and human 
capital to create new things
in community clusters.

Continuing the process of thinking about economic clusters, it’s beneficial to look out into the market to identify leading clusters and understand how they are evaluated in terms of value. I came across a website published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that discusses innovative clusters and provides a ranking of the top 100 clusters worldwide in 2025. That helps in further understanding what criteria they are using and what type of industries are typically seen as clusters (A community cluster for heding industries are a little different and would use different metrics.)

What caught my attention was the inclusion of a cluster in San Diego, where several universities contribute significantly through research articles and patents—much of which centers on digital communications. While Delta County, Michigan, is much smaller, its clusters—such as precision manufacturing, paper production, tourism, and emerging entrepreneurial retail—are still important and full of potential (In a community cluster you would to see how they enhance each other for community resilience as well as industry development). Delta County also hosts a local trades college, a regional university and T1 access to the Internet and online universities. T1 lines are good for industry as well.

Strengthening these clusters begins with understanding how they are evaluated and identifying ways to enhance their performance. Of course, large regions like San Diego and smaller ones like Delta County will focus on different markets, but each can cultivate its own unique opportunities. The two locations may have different focuses but certainly can learn from each other. Perhaps one want's to connect existing industries to deveop the whole local system while another might want to create greater penetration of specific industries. Micro transactions might help determine the internal resource capacity of the cluster and how it interacts with area assets. In a community cluster the metrics would be a little more micro and that is why it is helpful to explore smaller places where such relationships can be discovered for wider application.

Thinking of the possibilities.

As an example, Delta County’s regional infrastructure might support small-batch or custom production for specialized companies, ship modification projects, or other niche manufacturing advancements (You have to study to know if it is possible). We also have a budding wood products and paper/cardboard industry that could be further developed. Additionally, the area’s growing tourism and entrepreneurial sectors could inspire new startups centered on distinctive, locally made products—items that not only appeal to visitors but also have the potential for small-scale manufacturing and export. Also help create a brand for the area that connects with its unique attributes. (Delta County Chamber of Commerce and San Diego Chamber of Commerce. Sorry I could have used a surfer in the picture.)

The WIPO publication emphasizes metrics such as patent protection, venture capital investment, and scientific publications. While these are useful indicators for innovation-driven clusters, other metrics may be more relevant depending on the type of cluster being developed. For instance, if one is seeking to attract smaller start-ups that enhance existing industries, launch new industries, or even ensure sustainability through hedging they could consider the factors that make that possible. 

Understanding these underlying mechanics can help connect a community’s unique strengths with broader market needs, thereby fostering growth, resilience, and prosperity. If we can learn to interpret these micro-interactions effectively in one community, those insights could be applied to help other regions reconnect and thrive in their own distinctive ways. Maybe or maybe not. Just thinking through the possibilities of growth and how one might consider the assets of communities to put together a plan. It is possible to pull metrics but defining what measurements make sense while who would be willing to participate is another. Industries may want to participate if they can discover new areas where they can share focus that enhances them all (i.e. a new road, international/regional port, a couple of new start-ups that service multiple local industries, a new county policy, attract investment in a specific area, etc.)

Overall, these are my current thoughts and explorations on developing both structured and organic clusters—whether aimed at advancing industrial innovation or strengthening community assets for sustainable growth. Feel free to discard as you feel necessary. Just thinking through a couple of things as I move on during my day. 

These two pieces give some info on the economy in two different areas.
San Diego Cluster Rank 14-Digital Coms and Delta County EDA

The WIPO Report
Innovation Cluster Ranking 2025

You can learn more about some of those thoughts on Books & Scribbles