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The Perfect Cluster Programme

Dr. Gerd Meier zu Köcker

Agency Kompetenznetze Deutschland

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How a perfect cluster programme could look like by the

programme managers’ perspective

Implementation

Overall strategic set up

Target groups

Instruments Implementation

Main categories

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Programme duration at least 5 years

Clusters should be utilized to develop economic sectors that are

relevant for the future development of the national economy

Programmes should be based on a bottom-up approach

If cluster programmes provide R&D funding, cluster

managements should have an active role in commercialisation

of the R&D results (not only distributing funds)

Internationalization of clusters should be an integral part of the

programme strategy

Support should focus on cluster excellence and depend on the

performance of the cluster

Less is more – fewer programmes

Overall strategic set up

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Target group of a cluster programme

Focus should be given to support national cluster champions

instead of creating new clusters

Cluster managements should be the main target groups

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Cluster managements are of very high priority

within the programmes

Hands-on support through capacity development

of cluster management

Direct financial support through grants is not sufficient to

promote cluster (management) excellence

Utilization of new tools, like benchmarking or labelling

Openness to apply new tools to support cluster managements

Instruments Instruments

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Programme implementation

High user friendliness

Smart and simple

Low administrative burdens for applicants (cluster

organizations)

High flexibility

Adaptable on changing framework conditions

Ability to respond quickly to changing economic and

technological environments in which clusters are operating

Openness to apply new tools or measures

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Programme implementation

Program implementation should be supported by a knowledge-

based support infrastructure

Sufficient know-how and understanding of the program

agency staff

Involve external experts, if needed, to assist cluster

managers / cluster actors with their specific needs in an

adequate manner

Targets that are clear and easy to measure

Effect and impact easier and for fair to measure

Realistic key performance indicators (cluster as well as

programme level)

No unrealistic target

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Programme implementation

Continuous improvement

Ex-post evaluation is not enough to improve the

performance of a program.

Formative evaluation in order to initiate continuous learning

would be promising

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No unaccomplishable wishes !

Thank you very much for your attention