FITT Fostering Interregional Exchange in ICT Technology Transfer www.fitt-for-innovation.eu Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
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. 2 April 2011
Overview: Network and cluster management tools are included in the FITT Toolbox Both are a channel for knowledge transfer Relevance of networks and clusters for economic growth is 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 3 April 2011
Requirements for the Development of professional Cluster Management Tools Fostering Collaboration Foster processes within networks & clusters: Members need to be in an atmosphere for intense collaboration and frequent exchange of knowledge Monitoring & 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 4 April 2011
Tools for Cluster Management Monitoring Tools ( Scorecard & Cluster Management Scorecard): Instrument to measure the performance of cluster initiatives and networks Successful actions and activities without impact can be identified Cluster Handbook (Cluster Manual): 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 Collaboration Tools: Online Collaboration Platform (Cluster Collaboration Platform) & Matchmaking Event (Research meets Business) Online browser based collaboration platform for interaction and collaboration Event for matching technologies with enterprises needs 5 April 2011
Parts of the Process: Monitoring Tools 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 Practices: Tudor s Scorecard and MFG s Cluster Management Scorecard 6 April 2011
Parts of the Process: Scorecard 3 Steps Approach NSC Suite 1: Strategic vision NSC Suite 2: plan of action Values «we are» Identification of activities Strategic objectives «we want to» Planification Operational objectives «we have to» Priorisation Strategic map Plan d action 7 April 2011
Step 1: Checking the strategy Parts of the Process: Cluster Management Scorecard Step 2: Define the structure Step 3: Set objectives, targets & strategic initiatives Step 4: Implementation Step 5: Learning effects 8 April 2011
Parts of the Process: 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 9 April 2011
Parts of the Process: Cluster Manual Cluster Manual: Summary of News, events and Audio contributions: Help for cluster instruments for literature from the interviews with managers cluster managers cluster world cluster experts 10 April 2011
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 Manual see Practice Cluster Manual News & Information Community Monitoring Tool see Practice Cluster Management Scorecard 11 April 2011
Parts of the Process: Research meets Business Matching technologies with enterprises needs Format of matchmaking event, organised by a research organisation on a scientific topic and directed to SMEs. During this event, enterprises have access to a short review of the R&D in their field and to researchers via individual meetings. The goal is twofold : trigger partnerships and technology transfer and position the research centre as a reference in the sector. This practice presents : the format (programme, speakers, target group, communication material) the action plan from idea to implementation conclusions of the organizers 12 02.2011 Research meets Business
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. 13 April 2011