Cluster Initiatives as instrument for competitiveness and innovation , Brno Cluster Conference Workshop 1: Traditional Manufacturing sector e.g. Wood processing, Plactics inno-group: Petra A-1130 Vienna, Auhofstrasse 171/1 Tel.: +43/1/

Agenda Cluster and Cluster Initiatives Practical case: regional – national - european Workshop and Discussion Summary Till a.m.

Point of Departure Global goal of the Czech republic  Sustainable development based on competitiveness  Sustainable development based on competitiveness

Point of Departure Situation today: Cluster initiatives in introduction phase Absence of awareness of cluster initiatives mainly in SME Absence of awareness of cluster initiatives mainly in SME Isolation of companies Isolation of companies  Mobilization of economic potential of CLUSTER INITIATIVES  Cluster Initiatives as motor for economic development

Potential cluster-initiatives Cluster-Initiatives in preparation Initiatives submitted Czech Republic and Cluster Initiatives

Cluster initiatives Enhance the productivity of firms by easier access to specialized InputsEnhance the productivity of firms by easier access to specialized Inputs Increase the innovation potential of firms by rapid transfer of knowledgeIncrease the innovation potential of firms by rapid transfer of knowledge Stimulate Spin-offsStimulate Spin-offs Support the competitiveness of firms and regionsSupport the competitiveness of firms and regions Support the cooperation with the academic and scientific sectorSupport the cooperation with the academic and scientific sector Consolidate strategy among the cluster members and clustersConsolidate strategy among the cluster members and clusters Increase exportsIncrease exports … Benefits of clusters initiatives can be:

Cluster initiatives Problems arising in cluster initiatives can be: Clusters don’t live forever – after reaching maturity guided Interventions are necessaryClusters don’t live forever – after reaching maturity guided Interventions are necessary Unsolved organizational issuesUnsolved organizational issues Insufficient marketing and communicating of the cluster to the target groupsInsufficient marketing and communicating of the cluster to the target groups FinancingFinancing Readiness to handle challenges is not sufficiently developedReadiness to handle challenges is not sufficiently developed Impact of benefits may differ among the regionsImpact of benefits may differ among the regions …

Practical „experienced“ case Regional National European

Regional: Upper Austrian Cluster Initiatives –

Objectives of the Upper Austrian cluster policy (since 1998) Regional: Upper Austrian Cluster Initiatives –

Cluster activities Information and communication platforms Training and qualification Co-operation projects Marketing and public relations Internationalisation Regional: Upper Austrian Cluster Initiatives –

Facts and Figures Regional: Upper Austrian Cluster Initiatives –

Cluster Partners reach their network goals Regional: Upper Austrian Cluster Initiatives –

Regional: Upper Austrian Cluster Initiatives – Contact Person: Gerlinde Pöchhacker OÖ Technologie- und Marketinggesellschaft m.b.H. Head of Cluster-Management Phone: Fax:

National - Austria Austrian Cluster Initiatives - Overview (November 2004)

European approach Cluster oriented policy improves the innovative strength and the growth of competitiveness of regionsCluster oriented policy improves the innovative strength and the growth of competitiveness of regions Cluster-approach is widely used in European nations and regions for policy programs, about 300 cluster and network initiativesCluster-approach is widely used in European nations and regions for policy programs, about 300 cluster and network initiatives Different stages and models of clusteringDifferent stages and models of clustering A co-operation of regional clusters in Europe could improve the innovative performance and the growth of companies, esp. of SMEs through an intensified know-how transfer, a higher innovative speed flexibility and productivityA co-operation of regional clusters in Europe could improve the innovative performance and the growth of companies, esp. of SMEs through an intensified know-how transfer, a higher innovative speed flexibility and productivity BUT: No organised networking and knowledge exchange between European Cluster InitiativesBUT: No organised networking and knowledge exchange between European Cluster Initiatives Clusters in Europe – status quo

European approach – CLOE  INTERREG IIIC program - third call  All EU regions are eligible  „to improve the effectiveness of policies and instruments for regional development and cohesion“  Start: 16. September 2004  Duration: 3 years  Ending: 30. June 2007 CLOE - Clusters linked over Europe

Lyon CCICity Hall of Timisoara Linz Tartu Science Park Wermland CC Kaliningrad RDA City of Karlsruhe European approach – CLOE CLOE - Partners

Regional Level - European Level Network Level CLOE Members Methodologies, tools and processes SME Interlinkage International Marketing Road Map Guide CLOE – Thinkabouts European approach – CLOE

European approach – CLOE CLOE – Development of a European Network of Clusters  Identify and transfer good-practice tools and methods of Cluster Management  Foster co-operation between SMEs in the different partner clusters through thematic workshops and a competence platform  Jointly market the partner region‘s clusters

Thanx a lot! Now: Workshop and Discussion