Based on the outcomes of

1. The Perfect Cluster Programme
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Dr. Gerd Meier zu Köcker
Agency Kompetenznetze Deutschland
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2. How a perfect cluster programme could look like by the
programme managers’ perspective
Main categories
Overall Target
strategic groups
Implementation
set up
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Instruments Implementation
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3. Overall strategic set up
 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)
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 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
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4. 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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5. Instruments
Instruments
 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
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6. 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
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 Openness to apply new tools or measures
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7. 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
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 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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8. 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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9. No unaccomplishable wishes !
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Thank you very much for your attention
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