About CLUSNET
What is CLUSNET?
The Clusters & Cities Network - CLUSNET - is an EU funded project which aims to improve the performance of European clusters. CLUSNET is a platform for cluster policy experts and decision makers from 10 large European cities to exchange on best practises in cluster policy support. The project also aims to foster links between clusters from all over Europe. CLUSNET is a tool for public authorities in European cities to improve the impact of their cluster policies and thereby strengthening the competitiveness of their clusters.
Why is CLUSNET important?
Clusters have become the focal point of economic development policies at local, national and European levels. Clusters - proximate groups of interconnected companies and associated institutions in a particular field - are important because they allow companies to be more productive than they would be in isolation. Policies supporting cluster development are generally perceived as an efficient way of increasing production and economic competitiveness.
This is why cluster policies also have come to play an important role in the economic development of European city-regions. By supporting infrastructure development, facilitating the collaboration of business, research, university and local authorities, through the financing of R&D projects etc., cities have become key players in supporting European clusters. This engagement raises the question of the impact of such support policies: Do they make the clusters more competitive? Is the policy support worth the money and if not, which changes in policy design are necessary? CLUSNET allows policy makers from European cities to design new and innovative support policies with positive impacts on the performance of European clusters.
CLUSNET project outputs
- CLUSNET organises thematic policy seminars in partner cities, allowing for in-depth analysis of local policies in order to identify ways of increasing cluster performance. The CLUSNET team produces recommendations on how to improve local cluster support policies targeting local policy makers and aim to be highly operational to facilitate implementation.
- Networking events and on-web cluster mapping aims to create links between clusters located in partner cities.
- A handbook on key challenges facing European cities in supporting cluster development with conclusions being drawn on the policy seminars conducted in partner cities (completed by October 2011).
The CLUSNET partnership
The partnership consists of local public authorities from: Lyon (Lead Partner), Gothenburg, Leipzig, Dortmund, Eindhoven, Budapest, Barcelona, Helsinki, Manchester and Munich. Furthermore, the Stockholm School of Economics and EUROCITIES contribute with expertise in the process of policy analysis and result dissemination.
CLUSNET is financed by the INTERREG IVC programme for a duration of 3 years. The Interregional Cooperation Programme INTERREG IVC, financed by the European Union’s Regional Development Fund, helps Regions of Europe work together to share experience and good practice in the areas of innovation, the knowledge economy, the environment and risk prevention. EUR 302 million is available for project funding but, more than that, a wealth of knowledge and potential solutions are also on hand for regional policy-makers
Contact
Per Justesen: pjustesen[at]grandlyon.org
Tel: +33 (0)4 26 99 35 34
Mobile: +33 (0)6 30 55 62 54
