This paper investigates the Cambridge inkjet printing (IJP) cluster through the analysis of patents as a proxy indicator of core competences. The level of technological sophistication of IJP companies can be determined through patent statistics (Duysters and Hagedoorn, 2000). According to Patel and Pavitt (1991) and Cantwell and Hodson (1991) patents are an acceptable indicator of research output and technological competence. Although they are subject to debate regarding their usefulness (Cohen and Levin, 1989; Grilliches, 1990; Archibugi, 1992) they enable the comparison of technological performance (Pavitt, 1988, Acs and Audretsch, 1989) of IJP companies. A case study analysis has been undertaken of patenting activities of the population of IJP companies in Cambridge. The results of the study show that patents are a proxy measure of competence even during periods of economic cycles and the patent data indicates a steady increase in competence.