On 20th December, 2017, Ivana Rašić Bakarić and Ivan Damir Anić, members of the SmartEIZ project team, presented the results of the survey on competitiveness clusters in Croatia, at the assembly session of the Croatian Cluster of Competitiveness of the Wood-Processing Sector. Survey analysed 13 clusters of competitiveness (HKK) with the aim to explore the effects of clusters and give recommendations on improvement to the policy makers and stakeholders (MINGO, AIK).
The following conclusions were made:
- Clusters of competitiveness are at the forefront of development and should find a new path towards market with less leverage on state funding.
- The state can continue to encourage HKK through collaborative R & D projects, involving the private sector and the scientific community (example of France)
- It is necessary to improve the framework within which HKK operates; it should accelerate current projects and activities and avoid duplication of institutions and activities.
- World experiences also point to the strengthening of the regional component in the development of clusters.
- Regular evaluation of Croatian clusters is necessary.
- The cluster evaluation criteria should be applied.
- Cluster management is key to maximizing benefits for members, sectors, and regions.
- Cluster activities should be more focused on innovation, networking, collaboration, internationalization, and inclusion in the GVC.
A press conference was held before the session, where SmartEIZ team members, Zoran Aralica and Ivan Damir Anić, briefed the journalists on the findings of the survey and explained the collaboration between the Croatian Cluster of Competitiveness of the Wood-Processing Sector and the Institute of Economics, Zagreb within SmartEIZ project.