The European Cluster Observatory : EU cluster mapping and strengthening clusters in Europe

This publication presents the main findings, results and achievements of the first 3 years of research and work of the European Cluster Observatory. The Observatory has provided, for the first time, a quantitative analysis of European clusters based on a fully comparable and consistent methodology across all EU countries. The rich data on clusters generated in this project laid the foundation for improving the general knowledge about the nature and role of clusters for policy-makers. Its success is also shown by the fact that since its launch, it has tripled the number of users on its web platform to reach some 4,000 unique visitors per month. The Observatory also supported the birth of the European Cluster Memorandum, signed by a large number of cluster organisations across Europe. In its next phase, the European Cluster Observatory will move from a web-based database to a real tool for collaboration including benchmarking and partner search functions. The database will be enhanced with new data including new cluster codes, new performance data and new data on regional business framework conditions. It will also have a new user-friendly functionality where users can customise their own regions and their cluster categories.