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Within the cluster literature, few studies have analyzed the potential dangers of regional economic overspecialization. The lock-in effect is frequently mentioned to describe the decline of a clust...

Purpose Requalification of neglected areas in urban contexts is considered as one of the main challenges for smart cities. Business clusters stand out as mechanisms of innovation for not only the clustered firms but also the territory in which they are located. However, the cluster emergence process is complex and still unknown. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the orchestration process in the emergence of a cluster of innovation (CoI). Design/methodology/approach This study is a qualitative exploratory research in Porto Alegre, a State capital in Southern Brazil, in the region known as 4th District. Data were collected through documentary research, non-participant observation and face-to-face in-depth interviews. Findings Results indicate the importance of alignment among network members, possible difficulties caused by members’ heterogeneity and the need to disseminate information and interaction for the appropriability of knowledge and innovation in the emergence process of CoI. Coordination of actions and joint agenda as facilitators for the construction of a cluster identity emerge as crucial important. Besides, results also highlight that the entrepreneurial process and the perspective of global strategy are essential to build competitive advantage to the region. Research limitations/implications This paper brings a theoretical and managerial contribution to the application of the concept of orchestration to emergence of a CoI. The framework presents network components, orchestration components and the drivers to emergence of a CoI. Originality/value This study proposes a framework to link the orchestration process to the emergence of a CoI. The proposed framework could help policymakers and other actors to enhance the impact of a cluster on the development of the region.