KREATEK is an online collaboration platform for cluster managers and stakeholders to share information, best practices, and network. The platform includes news, documents, profiles, discussion forums, and a private workspace for each cluster initiative. It was created by MFG to professionalize cluster management and currently has over 120 members after six months. While the platform provides benefits, ongoing maintenance and community engagement are needed for success.

1. FITT (Fostering Interregional Exchange in ICT Technology Transfer)

2. KREATEK is an collaboration cooperation platform developed to give cluster managers and other cluster stakeholders access to current information and trends. The aim of the online platform is to document success stories and best practise examples to build up a repository of internal generated knowledge (‘learn from the best’) further develop current strategies / approaches give cluster beginners a guideline offer cluster stakeholders an efficient and easy way of cooperation and networking publish and present cluster initiatives to a broader public Online Platform for Cluster Managers

3. Overview: Process in Practice Structure of the Platform: www.kreatek.de Cluster Manual see Practice Cluster Manual News & Information Community Monitoring Tool see Practice Network Management Scorecard Focus of this document

4. Structure of the online collaboration platform General website: - news, information relevant to the KREATEK platform - a summary of the MFG cluster services portfolio, - event calendar, - contact data, etc. Features (accessible after registration) Members can - advertise events - read & edit the Cluster Manual - listen to audio contributions (interviews with cluster experts) - subscribe RSS feed - connect and exchange with other members - download the latest publications - leave messages - integrate profiles of well-known social networks like LinkedIn or XING - comment on cluster topics

5. Structure of KREATEK (II) Community-area for cluster initiatives Private area (in WIKI format) for each initiative - collaborative work space - communication possibilities - working possibilities on documents and strategy development - direct linkage to cluster websites

6. Who? Stakeholders Cluster mangers of German speaking area (Platform is currently only available in German) Facts & Figures Number of registered Members: 120 6 months planning and implementation (in combination with Cluster Guide) External agency for platform design 1 person part-time (30%) responsible for community support and animation

7. KREATEK PRO’s Provides a collaborative work space and guidelines for cluster managers Bundles know-how and competencies in a very specific area Establishes MFG as a professional cluster services provider Promotional tool for Cluster Services Increases awareness within networks and other incubators by developing innovative tools New business models can be developed It is available 24/7 and from everywhere CON’s Members have to first learn how to use this innovative tool User acceptance level can be unsatisfying. There is the risk the tool is not used. A lively community has to be initiated. Professional surveillance and initiation in the long-run is necessary Relying on one service provider  Problems may occur if provider is changed (compatibility, maintenance) Implementation costs AND ongoing costs of support

8. Why was the KREATEK Platform started? No central pool of information within the area of cluster management The MFG cluster portfolio professionalizes cluster management enhances the visibility of clusters facilitates efficient cooperation and networking offers access to an international network alleviates the strategy definition and the visibility of progress provides a unique platform regarding cluster-linked topics

9. Outcome First (direct/via mail) feedback of users was positive Currently over 120 members three months after the start of the KREATEK platform In 2010, a survey among the members is planned. The feedback will be used for improvement and development of the platform Other projects, planning to set up an international platform in the area of cluster management are interested in the experience gained during the development and implementation of the online platform

10. Lessons Learned Recommendations Calculate the costs of implementation AND maintenance Choose carefully a service provider you have confidence in Have a nominated person that takes care of the technical side Have one person for the content/editorial /user interaction Do take into account that further developments, updates (technical and content-wise) and maintenance are time-consuming and costly

11. Suggested Readings Link to bibliography: The cluster initiative Green book Clusters: Balancing Evolutionary and Constructive Forces Link to code book: Cluster, Network, Know How Link to relevant websites www.kreatek.de www.clusterobservatory.eu www.cluster-excellence.eu