Working Area 4

Working area 4: Identifying the main activities of cluster programmes with emphasis on internationalisation

The CEE-ClusterNetwork project started in 2006 with the analysis of existing cluster and network programmes. Based on the work done on “Comparative analysis of national and regional cluster policies” in CEE regions, future work will focus on the main objectives and activities of cluster programmes and expanding the scope of the research to analyse work from all over Europe.

Objectives:
- Identifying the objectives and their related activities proposed in cluster policies and programmes;
- Additional inputs to the definition of cluster initiatives (what is understood in different European regions by this term, what are the differences, and what are the common bases;
- Identification of the quality guidelines cluster initiatives apply or need to follow for successful operations and the successful implementation of cluster programme objectives and activities.

Expected results include:
- A validated table of objectives and actions proposed in cluster programmes;
- A synthesis report including an analysis of definitions of, and quality guidelines for, cluster initiatives based on 10 case studies.

The leadership of working area 4 is assigned to the CEE-ClusterNetwork.