A Cluster is...
a geographic concentration of companies, institutions and universities with a common interest in a specific strategic business sector. These “associations” result in a collaborative effort that allows their members to face all kinds of joint projects, from informational activities and promotion of the sector, to R&D and innovation projects or creating shared capabilities. |
Why a cluster?
Generating synergies, driving innovation, improving competitiveness, promoting the sector and defending its interests are the purpose of clusters and the basis of their importance to a region’s economy and its socioeconomic growth.
The main characteristics in forming a cluster are:
:: Geographic concentration of the business activity
:: Specialization in a specific business sector
:: Trickle-down effect, since its activities benefit the entire region
:: Triple helix: government-university-company
:: Balance of competition and collaboration between its members
All of these components make clusters “live” entities, becoming dynamic elements of the economy, generating opportunities, employment and wealth.
Clusters, a global model
Most EU member states are currently developing and implementing cluster policies, both on a national and regional level, as part of their policy for responding to the Lisbon Strategy objectives.
The European Cluster Observatory has calculated that 38% of European employees work in companies that participate in a cluster. Likewise, it has identified over 2,000 regional clusters in the 258 regions analyzed.
. Cluster examples in the USA
. Cluster examples in Europe
. Cluster examples in Spain