Industrial clusters and globalization an open challenge
by Paola Govoni
A cross-sectoral approach
Beyond speaking of 'furniture', 'automotive', 'textile', 'household appliances districts', there is a need of a more cross-sectorial approach, recommended prof Michael Steiner. A value chain approach bases on these assessments:
- Don't be too sector specific
- Consider that districts find themselves in different stages of development. They can be, for example, emerging, traditional, labour-intensive, export-oriented…
- Consequently, they need different actions, based on tailored strategies.
Clustering Policies
Comprehensive case studies of clustering policies were presented, with focus on Romania, France, Turkey, and Switzerland.
| NO. | POLE | FEATURES - PROFILE |
| 1 | Timisoara | Natural growth pole evolving towards an industrial district complemented by technological and business centres |
| 2 | Cluj | Idem Embryonic stage of cluster development based on ITC industries |
| 3 | Cracovia |
Emerging growth poles attracting mature industries and emerging cluster (automobile) |
| 4 | Iasi Brasov |
Potential growth poles evolving towards industrial districts |
| 5 | Costanta | Unspecified profile |
ROMANIA
The concept of 'Growth Poles' was introduced by the European Commission in the context of negotiation of Structural Interventions as an inclusive and flexible notion specified according to the context, in order to support or to accompany the emergence or development of (i) organised industrial zones, (ii) industrial districts, (iii) embryonic clusters/clusters, (iv) competitiveness poles.
The 'Growth Poles' approach to Romania aims to act as a vector of concentration of public investments, as a catalyst for connecting initiatives for regional and local development and the needs of the business environment and competitiveness, and as a tool to bring closer initiatives in the context of R&D and improving Romanian competitiveness advantage.
FRANCE
France's definition of clusters or 'Pôles de Compétitivité" is as follows:
- They bring together on a given territory: companies (generally large firms), public and private R&D centers, und universities as well and training bodies such as 'grandes écoles' but also permanent training organizations,
- They are bound by partnerships and sharing a common strategy of development,
- They are expected to yield synergy around innovative projects directed at markets with high growth potential.
| THE TURKISH CASE | |
| Opportunities | Challenges |
TURKEY
The Turkish case referring to a national clustering policy aiming at increasing competitiveness, improving value-added in manufacturing and services through innovation, enhancing skills and promoting regional development outlines some opportunities and challenges.
SWITZERLAND
There is a traditionally skeptical attitude towards any form of industrial policy and no explicit cluster policy at the national level in Switzerland. There is no department, agency or other government organization responsible for cluster policy and the NRP – New Regional Policy issued October 6, 2006 does not use the word 'cluster'.
Financial support to projects that enhance competitive position of regions is possible, but each Canton has its own economic policy (thus there are 26 different 'economic policies' and some Cantons actively support 'cluster development'). The three main types of cluster development are:
- Type I: Spontaneous clusters
- Type II: Private sector driven clusters (also 'clusterpreneurs' = entrepreneur driven clusters)
- Type III: Public sector driven clusters.
Presently, Swiss' regional cluster policies include some major programmes:
- THE ARK (Canton of Valais).
Goal: Economic development of the Canton Valais.
- BERNE (Canton of berne).
Goal: Active support of 6 clusters (design, environment and energy, medical technology, precision industry, services, telematic/IT).
- BIOVALLEY BASEL (France, Germany, Switzerland).
Goal: Building a European centre of biotechnology.
- NANOCLUSTER BODENSEE (Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland).
Goal: Promotion of nanotechnology and development of marketable products.
