Contribution of the CLUSTERS programme to formation and development of cooperative networks

The article aims at assessment of the CLUSTERS Programme contributions to formation and development of cooperative networks among enterprises, R&D institutions and universities in the fi eld of research, development and innovation. The objective of the CLUSTERS Programme, the specifi c sub-programme of the Operational programme Industry and Enterprises 2004-2006, was to support the economic growth and competitiveness of economy through the development of sector groupings or clusters. The methodology was based on questionnaire survey among fund benefi ciaries. Th e survey was focused on reasons of cluster formation for involved subjects, common activities within the framework of cluster, type of cluster activities in relation to the region development, cluster eff ect on R&D activities of incorporated subjects etc. The geographic distribution and sectoral structure of clusters were very uneven and strongly infl uenced by activities of individual players in regional development. Clusters seem to be benefi cial for the development of R&D activities of their members. Development of individual R&D activities took place in 92 % of clusters. It is evident that clusters enable R&D institutions and universities to develop their current activities, usable in the cluster. Th is development is refl ected in the creating of joint R&D activities which took place in 84 % of clusters and resulted in an increase in private funds for R&D (67 % of clusters). Clusters are joining international R&D projects (50 %) too, and 33 % of clusters even created joint R&D workplaces. Clusters are very active in human resources development. Secondary schools and universities involved in clusters create joint training courses with fi rms and enable students to join companies as interns. The involvement of R&D institutions facilitates the externalization of company?s R&D, as well as creating joint R&D workplaces and projects. Reinforcing of R&D activities within a cluster leads to the creation an introduction of innovations in the business sector, which subsequently enhances the competitiveness of other companies in the cluster.