This case study focuses on the development of the Shouguang vegetable cluster since the early 1980s. It describes the rapid and successful development of the cluster from a local vegetable production base to a global player in the sector.
The case study opens with some key figures on agriculture showing why this is a major challenge for the future. It then focuses on the role of agriculture in China, which is the world's largest producer and consumer of agricultural products. The cluster concept is introduced and its importance in the Chinese context is described. The case study then describes the Shouguang cluster, allowing students to identify the cluster's life cycle, resources and competences, competitive advantage, and challenges for the future.
The case also provides a basis for discussing the cultivation of organic and 'green' vegetables.