www.FITT-for-Innovation.eu

Network Management

FITT

(Fostering Interregional Exchange in ICT Technology Transfer)

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Cluster and Network

Cluster Definition

A cluster is a geography proximate group of interconnected companies

and associated institutions in a particular field, linked by commonalities

and complementarities”. (M.E. Porter)

Network Definition

A network is a formal or informal organisation that facilitates the

exchange of information and technology and fosters various kinds of co-

ordination and collaboration.

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Overview: Network Management

Network and Clusters Management tools are included in the FITT

practices

Both are a channel for knowledge transfer

Relevance of networks and clusters for economic growth undoubted

A lot of efforts have been taken to start cluster initiatives, often with

support of public money

Strong need for professional management tools

Strong need for monitoring efforts and results

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Requirements for the development of professional cluster management tools

Fostering Collaboration

Foster the processes inside the networks & clusters: Members need to be in an

atmosphere for intense collaboration and frequent exchange of knowledge

Monitoring and evaluation

Very important in order to identify successful actions and activities without

impact

Learning effects

Learning effects have to be activated by the management tools as they allow a

systematic view on the processes

Growing experience in cluster management

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3 Instruments for cluster management

Monitoring tool (Network Management Scorecard by Tudor & Cluster Management Scorecard by MFG):

instrument to measure the performance of cluster initiatives and networks

successful actions and activities without impact can be identified 

Cluster Handbook (Cluster Manual by MFG):

Interactive tool to document the experiences of cluster managers

Every cluster manager is invited to write articles, definitions and experiences; the community can discuss the content in interactive forums

An online collaboration platform (Cluster Collaboration Platform)

online browser based collaboration platform

communication between members in an interactive way

social network programs: interaction and collaboration

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Monitoring Tool:Balanced Scorecard

Aim

Professionalize cluster management

Allow effective monitoring and evaluation of activities

Show and visualize effects of cluster management

Elements

Define vision

Define actions and targets

Monitor and evaluate

2 Practice: Tudor Network Management Scorecard and MFG Cluster

Management Scorecard

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Parts of the Process: Network Management Scorecard – 3 steps approach

NSC Suite 1: Strategic vision

Values

« we are »

Strategic objectives « we want to  »

Operational objectives

« we have to »

Strategic map

NSC Suite 2: plan of action

Identification of

activities

Planification

Priorisation

Plan d’action

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Parts of the Process: Cluster Management Scorecard

Step 1 : Checking the strategy

Step 2 Define the structure of the

Step 3: Setting Objectives, targets and strategic initiatives

Step 4: Implementation

Step 5: Learning effects

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Cluster Manual

Aim

Collection of up to date information on cluster management

Allow contributions

Offer a nice package of information: wiki, audio, news, etc.

Elements

Guide in wiki format

Overview on instruments

Additional features: audio contributions

2 Practice: Network Management Scorecard and Cluster Management

Scorecard

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Parts of the Process: Cluster Manual

Cluster Manual:

Help for cluster

managers

Summary of

instruments for

cluster managers

Audio contributions:

interviews with

cluster experts

News, events and

literature from the

cluster world

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Parts of the Process: Cluster Collaboration Platform

Central Platform for cluster managers

Many functions for collaboration and exchange

Structure of the Platform: www.kreatek.de

Cluster Manualsee Practice Cluster Manual

News & Information

Community Monitoring Toolsee Practice Cluster Management

Scorecard

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Suggested Readings

Michel Porter: The Competitive Advantage of Nations, NY: Free Press, 1990

Michel Porter: Clusters and New Economics of Competition, Harvard Bus Review, Nov.-Dic, 1998.