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The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the theoretical development of the theme by the proposition of an industrial cluster typology method considering that the set of local variables related to the firms characteristics are essential for the strengthening of the interfirms’ relationship and consequently their performance.

The theoretical basis of this study are the types of clusters found in literature and the research. A survey with several types of actors were performed with companies from footwear production chain in the region of Franca, Brazil. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics techniques as well as multivariate exploratory methods.

This study highlight multiple characteristics derived from different cluster typologies within the same productive chain.

From a theoretical standpoint, the research results extended the perspective about the strategic role played by the local cooperation and also offer to managers and representative institutions a possibility to reflect on different types of governance principles adopted in collective actions.

The objective of this study is to analyse and propose alternatives to the lack of integration and cooperation of industrial firms in a Brazilian cluster of the jewelry sector. The relationships between the functional factors and the surrounding factors of the cluster are examined.

This research is based on a face‐to‐face survey that established relationships between the internal factor/variables of the companies, the cluster and the external environment's factor/variables.

It was found that integration and cooperation are essential for the development of a cluster since it stimulates the use of local resources. High levels of clusters' inter‐firm integration may represent high levels of operational efficiency.

This study has some limitations related to generalizations, but it can be said that the statistical tools applied to characterize the companies' subgroups in a cluster proved valid. In view of this, further research on other local productive systems is suggested in order to strengthen the propositions making use of the same tools described in this study.

The findings indicate the need for strategic actions by the companies in order to seize opportunities to promote local innovation.

The paper indicates an enterprise's classification according to the characteristics of the company's competitive strategy.