Cluster as an Element for Regional Competitiveness Strengthening

The concept of regional competitiveness is associated with certain economic circumstances leading to the development of clusters in a limited number of places. Michael Porter has had an important contribution to the development of the concept of geographical clusters, at both European and overseas level; he combines the basic Marshallian model with elements of company competitive strategy, while also taking into account the factor related to the level of resource endowment. This paper highlights the conceptual elements of the cluster, its essential characteristics as well as its impact on regional competitiveness, owing to the relationships developing within clusters and to the facilities they create.