OF PIRAEUS
7. Conclusions
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154 V. K. Zagkas and D. V. Lyridis
of knowledge as described above, Position:This attribute indicated the position of the firm in a dimensional grid. The grid contains all the firms and the agent by calculating the maximization of his competitive advantage that depends on the knowledge stock and market share he can acquire; takes the decision to move or not on a more competitive position in the grid. The rest of the attributes are described before as performance indicators, that when attached to each agent they can derive valuable information. The first experimental stage of the simulation uses a sample population of firms from all sectors, assuming that they all position in a dimensional grid, having all the same knowledge capacity but different weight; something that depends on the firms’ size. Starting the simulation, knowledge is circulated according to demand and supply. Then, firms try to locate where networking favors their competitive advantage, from this routine geographical concentrations arise and clusters of firms are developed. The results from this simulation are then validated against realistic data from the existing structure of the maritime community, in Piraeus. This confirms that the assumption of the initial model was pragmatic, that indeed, in reality, knowledge externalities drive clustering and that clustering of firms maximizes the performance indicators chosen. A multi-scale cluster model, as perceived, is shown below, with firms as subagents, sectors and relating institutions and bodies that are agents as well.
6.3. Agent-based modeling toolkit
There are a number of toolkits available for implementing agent-based modeling. Thanks to substantial public and private research, many com- putational environments have been developed and are now available for business use without any charge. The software environment for this research project is Repast (the REcursive Porous Agent Simulation Toolkit) and it is a leading open-source large scale ABMS toolkit. Repast was developed in order to support the development of extremely flexible models of agents focusing on social and economic simulation (North et al., 2007). Repast’s goal is to represent agents as discrete entities that act as social actors and are mutually defined with recombinant motives. The broader scope of the toolkit is to replay cases with altered assumptions (ROAD, 2004).
making our era a unique opportunity for strengthening the development of the Piraeus & Greater Area maritime cluster. This emerging competitive advantage of the region must be nourished and encouraged.
Nowadays, there are significant opportunities to defend the existing Greek Maritime cluster formation and organise it, against both cost pressures and competition. However, in order to utilise such opportunities, it is essential that all stakeholders act with collective response on a cluster level basis. Talking about stakeholders, it is essential to identify them and assign their role and response to the cluster movement. According to the subject research, one of the major stakeholders is the Public sector and more specifically the Central and Local Government. Results from other cluster surveys have shown that the public sector has a major role in cluster formations. In fact, a supportive government is one of the most important criteria for the competitiveness of the cluster. Central government must develop enhanced understanding of the cluster and offer increased priority and support. This is also implemented in the agent-based model.
The awakening of the private sector is also essential. The behaviour of the private sector in Greece, as we know it today, must significantly change. Companies shall incorporate in their strategies the managerial theory of the 20th century. Cooperation amongst companies is a must for improved competitiveness and collective behaviour. Companies can be more efficient by developing a cross-selling culture in order to grow business across the cluster as a whole. All stakeholders shall develop a philosophy of partnership. The public and the private sector shall learn to work in the framework of a strong funded cluster organisation, pursuing the promotion of Piraeus as a global maritime services centre. Cluster initiatives and projects shall be pursued, both by the government and companies. The maritime identity of Piraeus shall be promoted worldwide and it should develop an image of offering cost-effective office space for smaller firms and associations, and opportunities for co-location to maximise cluster factors.
Synergies shall be exploited with other services clusters.
Concluding, the efforts of the central government in these first crit- ical steps of cluster development shall be based on supporting research and projects around the cluster and its built up. The results of this research should then form the basis for structuring public policies and financial proposals, as tax relaxations and land use for services localisation, which will favour the emergence of Piraeus as a global maritime services centre.
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