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Reg.7.2: Networking / clustering / collaboration opportunitiesRelevance:This indicator outlines main opportunities to collaborate with or joinexisting networks as well as the existing demand in the region for establishingnew network structures. It illustrates interlinks between theactors in the regional innovation system and its capacity to create andabsorb innovations.Compilation and analysis methods:• Identify existing networks, business clusters and technology alliancesin fields relevant to the RI project. Identify opportunities forjoining them.• Identify European initiatives (EC-funded) in support of networksand clusters, e.g. networks of centres of excellence, business clusters,research-driven clusters, and associations of clusters. Identifyopportunities for collaborating with them.• Identify regional gaps, opportunities or demand for establishingnew networks, business clusters or technology alliances.Data sources and collection methods:• Document analysis• Survey of regional R&D performing actors (companies, universitiesand R&D institutes)Data analysis methods:• Descriptive content analysis• Network analysisReferences:European Commission, Enterprise and Industry, Industrial Competitiveness,on:http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/industrial-competitiveness/index_en.htmDefinitions and explanations:Business Cluster is a concentration of interconnected businesses,suppliers, and associated institutions in a particular field. Clustersare considered to increase the productivity with which companiescan compete, nationally and globally. There are four major types ofclusters: geographical (geographical concentration of interconnectedbusinesses), sectoral (a concentration of businesses operatingtogether within the same commercial sector, e.g. marine, photonics),horizontal (interconnections between businesses at a sharingof resources level, e.g. knowledge management), and vertical clusters(businesses interoperating along the supply chain).107