CLUSTER POLICY AS A DETERMINING FACTOR FOR DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD CLASS-CLUSTERS

The article aims to characterize the significance of cluster policy (cluster-based policy) for the development of world-class clusters. It indicates that the clusters functioning in the European Union (EU) member states are of very diversified nature, which ensues, inter alia, from different conditions (endo – and exogenous) of their development. The evolution of the clustering concept contributed to a greater interest and engagement of governmental organizations of European, national and regional levels in the process of direct and indirect support of cluster development. This kind of support is attributed to cluster policy. This policy, in principle, owing to various actions and instruments undertaken in coordination and stimulating the growth of clusters is supposed to contribute to the maximization of cluster synergy effect, accelerate economic growth, improve the competitiveness of an economy and the development of a knowledge-based economy. A crucial element of this policy is stimulating interactions between business, R&D sector, business support institutions and local and national government agencies in the development process of entrepreneurial ecosystems.The impact of the cluster policy on the cluster development and formation of world-class clusters is presented at the example of German and French cluster policy which focuses on building the cluster management excellence.

Although they constitute an example of an organization of commercial nature, clusters necessitate active public support. Contemporary cluster policy particularly in EU countries is frequently of horizontal nature. It often consists in offering public support for the development of clusters of the greater competitive potential, which have the real chance of obtaining world-class cluster status. Owing to active R&D activity and international cooperation with key stakeholders, clusters of this type demonstrate the ability to develop strong cluster value chains. The achievement of the world-class cluster level requires cluster management excellence. Hence, the concepts of world-class clusters and cluster management excellence continuously create new strategic challenges for cluster management.

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