Event Details

IRE workshop 'Regional Clusters as Innovation Drivers'

Brussels, BE

30 May 2006

31 May 2006

Regional clusters, which can be defined as geographically bound concentrations of interdependent firms and knowledge/technology suppliers, are more and more seen as an important instrument for promoting business development and competitiveness. In many regions, clusters are enabling firms to overcome internal limitations by joining efforts and resources with other firms, R&D institutions and universities, and public sector organisations. Clusters established at the regional level can form the perfect environment to enhance innovation by allowing firms to take advantage of specialised suppliers, local know-how, information, skills and education. The proximity of customers, competitors, suppliers, universities, and research/innovation organisations favours the growth, the employment, and the attractiveness of the regions.

This event aims to enhance the participants’ understanding about the establishment, implementation and impact of innovative regional clusters. The workshop will highlight the catalytic role played by regional authorities in creating the right framework conditions for the development of clusters and innovation networks, and will focus on certain critical factors that determine the success/failure of clusters, namely the design of cluster initiatives (from feasibility to implementation); internal and external cluster interaction; financing; marketing regional-based clusters; and monitoring and evaluating of cluster outcomes. Furthermore, the workshop is to present the findings of the IRE Subgroup on 'Regional clusters as innovation drivers', which since 2004 has brought together 13 IRE member regions to investigate how innovative clusters can be stimulated and promoted at the regional level.

Ms Nathalie Brahim

IRE Secretariat