This document outlines the objectives and services of the European Cluster Observatory, which aims to promote the development of world-class clusters in Europe. The Observatory will produce reports on European clusters and emerging industries, develop statistical tools to map clusters, and provide advisory support to model regions. It will also organize conferences and disseminate information to facilitate policy learning. The overall goal is to help clusters and their member firms better prepare for the future by participating in foresight and roadmapping activities, initiating cross-sectoral cooperation, and gaining access to international innovation partnerships through cluster management organizations.

1. Tools for Strategic Cluster Management
in Emerging Industries
Dr. Gerd Meier zu Köcker
Head of European Cluster Observatory
A service contract (2014-16)
funded by the European Commission,
Enterprise and Industry Directorate-General
This work is part of a service contract for the Directorate-General for Internal Market,
Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission. It is financed under
the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework programme (CIP) which aims to
encourage the competitiveness of European enterprises. The views expressed in this
document, as well as the information included in it, do not necessarily reflect the
opinion or position of the European Commission and in no way commit the institution.

2. From Cluster Policies to Cluster-based Innovation
and Regional Innovation Policies

3. Cluster Organisations, Clusters and
Framework Conditions

4. Objectives of European Cluster Observatory
To promote the development of more world-class clusters in
Europe, notably with a view to fostering competitiveness and
entrepreneurship in emerging industries and facilitating SMEs' access
to clusters and internationalisation activities through clusters.
To offer statistical analysis, mapping tools and policy advice
towards the design of more evidence-based cluster policies in
Europe.
A number of new tools and services will be provided to policy
makers and cluster stakeholders.

5. Cluster Mapping and Related Services
Cluster Mapping
• Produce a Bi-annual European Cluster Panorama report
• Develop new cluster statistical mapping tools
• Focus on ten cross-sectoral industry clusters
Cluster Trends
• Prepare a European Cluster Trends report including:
 Identifying global megatrends and opportunities for cluster internationalisation
 Analysing cross-sectoral trends of industrial transformations and new patterns of
geographical clustering
 Conducting a cluster foresight analysis
Regional Eco-System Scoreboard
• Develop an indicator framework to capture cluster dynamics in regions;
• Identify favourable cluster specific framework conditions of regional eco-systems
especially for supporting cross-sectoral activities

6. Cluster Policy Support Services
Showcasing modern cluster policy practice
• Provide advisory support to six model demonstrator regions
• Promoting policy learning towards cluster excellence
European stress test for cluster policies
• Provide the self assessment tool for better cluster policies at the regional level
• Prepare a cluster policy guide with a specific focus on emerging industries
Gathering cluster policy makers and stakeholders
• Organise a European Cluster Conference (October 2014 and 2016)
• Stimulate a policy dialogue and the exchange of good practices
Implement a variety of communication and dissemination actions including a
new web site that will facilitate mutual policy learning:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/initiatives/cluster/observatory/index_en.htm

7. Impact of Emerging Industries
7
Better
framework
conditions
Better
support of
cluster
firms
Firms
better
prepared
for future
• New policy frames
• Implementation of RIS / Smart
Specialisation Strategies
• New cluster support schemes
Cluster Policy
Level
• Higher professionalisation
• New services
• Initiating cross-clustering and
cross-sectoral cooperation
Cluster
Management
Level
•Participating in Roadmapping /
Foresight processes
•Cooperation with new partners
from different sectors
Firm Level

8. European Cluster Panorama 2014:
Emerging Industries Overview

9. Emerging Industry Hotspots in Europe
• Criteria applied: Size,
specialisation,
productivity,
dynanism
• Many regional hot-
spots exist
• Excellent portfolio to
create cross-regional
synergies
• Challenge: How to
turn potentials into
innovation ?

10. Source: Lämmer-Gamp, Meier zu Köcker,
Christensen, Clusters are Individuals, 2011
Why Cluster Management Matters

11. ROADMAPPING AS CORE CLUSTER
MANAGEMENT ACTIVITY

12. Service Portfolio of Cluster Managements

13. Cluster Management in Emerging Industries
are More Active to Initiate Innovations

14. An Integrated Service Portfolio Provided
by Cluster Management

15. Innovation Platforms

16. Clusterorganisations Become Drivers for
Innovation
 Implementation of new technology transfer systems within
clusters
 Cluster managements to become drivers for initiating innovations
within cluster participants
 International innovation partnerships
 Cluster managers to identify and initiate long-term partnerships with
other regional, national or international partners
 More than export promotion
 Technology-Scouting
 Cluster managements offer services to better identify and predict
relevant trends (roadmapping etc.)
 Cross-Clustering
 Cluster managements to initiate cross-sectoral cooperations
16

17. From Cluster (Development) Policy to
Cluster-based Regional Development

18. The European Cluster Observatory Team
http://ec.europa.eu/growth/smes/cluster/observatory/index_en.htm

19. Competence Mapping and Screening
Among Cluster Firms