Global cluster networks-foreign direct investment flows from Canada to China

Using a network perspective of multinational firms, this article develops conceptions of global cluster networks and global city-region networks that are based on foreign direct investment (FDI) activities. The article first formulates a global cluster-network hypothesis suggesting that multinational cluster firms are more likely to set up new foreign affiliates in other, similarly specialized clusters to keep up with global industry dynamics. Conversely, it is suggested that non-cluster firms are more likely to avoid cluster destinations in their FDIs. Second, it is hypothesized that cluster networks generate connections between city-regions in different countries that are horizontal and vertical in character and thus shape global city-region networks. To test these hypotheses, the spatial patterns of 299 FDI cases from Canada to China between 2006 and 2010 are investigated, generally supporting the hypotheses developed.