THE COMPLEX RELATION BETWEEN CLUSTERS AND INNOVATION IN EUROPEAN UNION

In this paper we proposed to analyze the dynamics of innovation in the European Union countries in order to observe its implications in clusters. Due to the multiple links between cluster members, the innovation transfer is achieved much easier, contributing to the rapid spread of innovative ideas, technologies, labor and know-how. The opportunity for innovation is easier noticeable due to the diversity of the cluster members that operate in a competitive environment, the permanent contact that is created with other companies and institutions allowing just overcome competitive pressure by innovation. Therefore, we analyzed the links between innovation and clusters in the countries of Eastern Europe and those in Western Europe. For this we made a comparison between the most innovative countries and the less innovative ones, identifying the benefits of clusters as a means of enhancing the innovation capacity of each state.