Why 'design' does not work well for cluster policy? : with the implications for Science and Technology (S&T) manpower policy

Noting that current and existing literature on clusters has not connected 'pure' theory and the actual cases of the supply and demand factors for S&T manpower, this article has presented theory and cases to glean implications for the S&T manpower issues with cases of cluster promotion policies in selected countries. The cases show how fragile and sensitive it is to design and implement research clusters by policy. Especially, the research confirms that with respect to man power supply, policy design does not work as initially intended.