A viable system perspective on cluster development

There is disconsensus between/within theory and practice on how and why clusters work, with scholars responding to such face validity through various lens and arguments. Correspondingly, we sought to respond from a viable system perspective vis-à-vis the viable system model (VSM). Our analysis mapped content from public information to identify the viability issues of health clusters, while the process of analysis and reflection informed a second research question on how VSM can be applied to cluster development. Overall, 5 viability issues were identified. These ranged from the need for clarity on substance questions to dysfunctional system-functions. However, the process of analysis surfaced several limitations to the VSM, and points to potential synthesis with competition, co-creation, and constraints theories. To avoid `Beer goggles', a viable system perspective should be used in tandem with aligning strategic functions by location, delivery, and overall competitiveness.