The document discusses 7 things the author wishes they knew before starting in cluster and innovation management. The key lessons are: 1) Innovation means rule breaking. 2) Feelings are more important than facts. 3) Context is more important than specific text or content. 4) Dialogue is more important than discussion. 5) Focus on the process rather than any individual project. 6) Imagination is more important than strategy. 7) Innovation must be combined with social and human values.