Clusters are individuals - VDI/VDE-IT

This outline of an ideal cluster program reflects the interest
of program officials to take cluster support programs to the
next level. Clear ideas – which are in line with the recommendations
of the European Cluster Policy Group - are on the table
and have been already realized in some of the programs.
The benchmarking of the different cluster programs revealed
many starting points for learning from each other.
Just to give a couple of examples:
• The Norwegian Centres of Expertise Program and the
Swedish Vinnväxt program are good examples of how
to combine a long-term support perspective with performance-based
funding;
• With its “Early-Stage Innovation Systems” subprogram
of 2008 Vinnväxt also provides best practice on how to
support embryonic innovation systems from which new
industries can emerge;
• Competence Networks Germany is a best-practice example
of a program that provides a comprehensive set
of tailor-made services for cluster management development
instead of funding;
• The Polish cluster support scheme as well as the Danish,
Norwegian and Swedish programs provide examples
how grant funding for the establishment of cluster management
organizations is coordinated with a range of
technical assistance instruments such as training for cluster
managers and benchmarking exercises.
Which of those ideas can be implemented in the different
countries depends on the national policy context. However,
as there was a broad consensus of the program owners with
regard to the above described elements of a perfect cluster
programs the chances of implementation are promising.
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