The document discusses the importance of network and cluster management in fostering economic growth through collaboration and knowledge transfer among interconnected companies and institutions. It highlights the need for professional management tools and monitoring efforts, presenting various tools like scorecards and collaborative platforms designed to evaluate and improve cluster initiatives. Additionally, it includes a framework for cluster management that emphasizes strategy, assessment, and the sharing of best practices among managers.

1. Network Management
FITT
– Fostering Interregional Exchange in ICT Technology Transfer –
www.FITT-for-Innovation.eu
Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

2. Cluster and Network
Cluster Definition
A cluster is a geography proximate group of interconnected companies
and associated institutions in a particular field, linked by commonalities
and complementarities”. (M.E. Porter)
Network Definition
A network is a formal or informal organisation that facilitates the exchange
of information and technology and fosters various kinds of co-ordination
and collaboration.
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3. Overview: Network Management
 Network and cluster management tools are included in the FITT Toolbox
 Both are a channel for knowledge transfer
 Relevance of networks and clusters for economic growth is undoubted
 A lot of efforts have been taken to start cluster initiatives, often with
support of public money
 Strong need for professional management tools
 Strong need for monitoring efforts and results
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4. Requirements for the Development of
professional Cluster Management Tools
Fostering Collaboration
 Foster processes within networks & clusters: Members need to be in an
atmosphere for intense collaboration and frequent exchange of knowledge
Monitoring & Evaluation
 Very important in order to identify successful actions and activities without
impact
Learning Effects
 Learning effects have to be activated by the management tools as they allow a
systematic view on the processes
 Growing experience in cluster management
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5. Tools for Cluster Management
Monitoring Tools (Network Management Scorecard & Cluster Management
Scorecard):
 Instrument to measure the performance of cluster initiatives and networks
 Successful actions and activities without impact can be identified
Cluster Handbook (Cluster Manual):
 Interactive tool to document the experiences of cluster managers
 Every cluster manager is invited to write articles, definitions and experiences; the
community can discuss the content in interactive forums
Collaboration Tools: Online Collaboration Platform (Cluster Collaboration Platform)
& Matchmaking Event (Research meets Business)
 Online browser based collaboration platform for interaction and collaboration
 Event for matching technologies with enterprises’ needs
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6. Parts of the Process: Monitoring Tools
Balanced Scorecard
Aim
 Professionalize cluster management
 Allow effective monitoring and evaluation of activities
 Show and visualize effects of cluster management
Elements
 Define vision
 Define actions and targets
 Monitor and evaluate
 2 Practices: Tudor’s Network Management Scorecard and MFG’s Cluster
Management Scorecard
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7. Parts of the Process: Network Management
Scorecard – 3 Steps Approach
NSC Suite 1: Strategic vision NSC Suite 2: plan of action
Values Identification of
« we are » activities
Strategic objectives
« we want to » Planification
Operational objectives
« we have to » Priorisation
Strategic map Plan d’action
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8. Parts of the Process: Cluster Management
Scorecard
Step 1: Checking the strategy
Step 2: Define the structure
Step 3: Set objectives,
targets & strategic initiatives
Step 4: Implementation
Step 5: Learning effects
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9. Parts of the Process: Cluster Manual
Aim
 Collection of up to date information on cluster management
 Allow contributions
 Offer a nice package of information: wiki, audio, news, etc.
Elements
 Guide in wiki format
 Overview on instruments
 Additional features: audio contributions
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10. Parts of the Process: Cluster Manual
Cluster Manual: Summary of News, events and Audio contributions:
Help for cluster instruments for literature from the interviews with
managers cluster managers cluster world cluster experts
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11. Parts of the Process: Cluster Collaboration
Platform
 Central Platform for cluster managers
 Many functions for collaboration and exchange
 Structure of the Platform: www.kreatek.de
Cluster Manual News & Community Monitoring Tool
see Practice Cluster Manual see Practice Cluster Management
Information Scorecard
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12. Parts of the Process: Research meets Business
Matching technologies with enterprises’ needs
 Format of matchmaking event, organised by a research
organisation on a scientific topic and directed to SMEs.
During this event, enterprises have access to a short review of the
R&D in their field and to researchers via individual meetings.
The goal is twofold : trigger partnerships and technology transfer
and position the research centre as a reference in the sector.
This practice presents :
• the format (programme, speakers, target group, communication
material)
• the action plan from idea to implementation
• conclusions of the organizers
Research meets Business
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13. Suggested Readings
Michel Porter: The Competitive Advantage of Nations, NY: Free Press, 1990
Michel Porter: Clusters and New Economics of Competition, Harvard Bus
Review, Nov.-Dic, 1998.
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