In 2008, the European Commission published the communication: "Towards world-class clusters in the European Union: Implementing the broad-based innovation strategy". This document is a commonly accepted vision towards developing and promoting clusters in Europe. The document defines clusters as...

Manufacturing is among the key driving forces of the European economy. It provides about 20% of all jobs in Europe (above 30 million) and generates a turnover of about €7 000 billion in 25 industrial sectors and over 2 million companies, dominated by SMEs. In a comprehensive manner, therefore,...