Exploration of Six Content Dimensions of Architectural Knowledge based on a Case Study

The cluster-level architectural knowledge is the source to maintain sustainable competitive advantage of clusters. To develop the knowledge-based theory of clusters, the authors chose Dalian Software Park as the object of study, and work strictly according to scientific research process of the case study method. Firstly, they put forward the research questions and established the subject of the study according to the relevant literatures, and made a scientific study design to ensure the reliability and validity of the case study. Secondly, the authors collected research data and materials by the interview. Thirdly, the case analysis was carried out. Based on interview’s materials and secondary data analysis, they explored the content of the cluster-level architectural knowledge, discussed the roles played by different types of architectural knowledge in the development of industrial clusters and the impacts on the maintaining the competitive advantage of the clusters. The authors’ contribute by exploring the contents of the cluster-level architectural knowledge, which includes recognition of the strategies, convention, mutual benefit, industrial atmosphere, collective reputation, and institution. DOI: 10.4018/jkss.2012100105 54 International Journal of Knowledge and Systems Science, 3(4), 53-66, October-December 2012 Copyright © 2012, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. Architectural knowledge is common understanding and industrial atmosphere, owned by cluster as a complete system, which cannot exists independent of cluster (Porter,1998), providing cluster members with tacit understanding of rules of game (Cook & Brown,1999). Architectural knowledge is the major wealth of the entire members, the knowledge-based theory of clusters regards clusters as a platform for strengthening knowledge creation (Maskell & Malmberg, 1999), considering cluster can supply both the entire and members with sustainable competitive advantage by the architectural knowledge (Maskell, 2001; Tallman & Jenkins, 2004). China local cluster need independent innovation and the multinational knowledge spillover cannot directly promote the business growth of local cluster enterprise (Wu, 2008). Therefore, fostering local cluster innovation and sustainable competitiveness is of great significance, architectural knowledge, however, as the source of maintaining sustainable competitive advantage, is worth studying. Through an analysis of DLSP (Dalian software park), this study explores the content dimensions and characteristics of architectural knowledge expanding and deepening the understanding of the concept of industrial architectural system and based on this, knowledge content of six dimensions of cluster system are generalized.