This presentation discusses the cluster policy approach in the Basque Country. It provides an overview of the evolution of the Basque cluster policy from 1992 to the present. Key elements discussed include the focus on private, non-profit cluster associations involving universities, government and businesses. The policy aims to boost competitiveness, especially of SMEs, through cooperation in areas like strategy, talent, sustainability, R&D and internationalization. Recent revisions broadened the scope and alignment with regional innovation strategies, and strengthened the orientation toward SMEs. Lessons highlighted include the need for long-term support, widening impact, dynamic evolution, and alignment with regional priorities.

1. Titel presentatie
[Naam, organisatienaam]
Working Day - Track: Modern cluster policy
Today’s and tomorrow’s cluster approach
David Fernández Terreros
Learnings from the Basque Country

2. David Fernández Terreros
Eindhoven. November 10th 2016
Today’s and Tomorrow’s cluster approach;
Learnings from the Basque Country

3. Basque Country Cluster Policy. A
Dynamic Evolution
Cross-Sector
collaboration.
RIS3 Priorities
Definition.
Cross-Sector
collaboration.
RIS3 Priorities
Definition.
After Mapping
Clusters,
Support Policy
starts.
Based upon
existing
associations andthe creation of
new cluster
associations.
After Mapping
Clusters,
Support Policy
starts.
Based upon
existing
associations andthe creation of
new cluster
associations.
Stronger focus on
strategic
planning within
cluster
organisations inorder to align
with the
country`s
priorities and thecluster logics.
Stronger focus on
strategic
planning within
cluster
organisations inorder to align
with the
country`s
priorities and thecluster logics.
Open Call to
extend Cluster
Policy to other
domains with
existing
associations and
willing to
embrace the
initiative.
Open Call to
extend Cluster
Policy to other
domains with
existing
associations and
willing to
embrace the
initiative.
2009 2010 201220082004 20051993 1995 1996 1997 19981992
CLUSTER ASSOCIATIONS + “PRECLUSTERS”
1992 2000 2008 2011
2014
2013
Revision &
Assessment
New Cluster
Policy
Revision &
Assessment
New Cluster
Policy

4. New Cluster Policy (2013-14)
• 2013 Dept. of Economic Development and Competitiveness transfers the
management of the Cluster Policy to its development Agency SPRI .
• A Revision of Cluster Policy is undertaken as a first step.
• Baseline: an analysis based on indicators measuring:
• Clusters’ Dynamism: Turn-over, Exports, Jobs, R&D Investment
• Cluster Associations’ Maturity: Membership, Funding, Management Cooperation
Projects, Strategic Areas of Action.
• Goals:
 Stronger Clusters Organisations, SME Driven, + Members, + Engagement
 Increasing Opportunities for Collaboration: Wider Domains, Related
Diversification, Interrelated VCs
 Aligning Clusters (Policy) with RIS3 Priorities and Opportunity Niches
Wider
Impact!

5. Key elements of Basque Country Cluster
Policy
• Based on private non profit Cluster Associations gathering Triple Helix.
• Focus on mobilising Cooperation for Competitiveness (++ of SMEs)
• Addressing key Areas: Strategy, Talent development, Sustainability,
R&D+I and Internationalisation.
• Target: fostering Traded Clusters’ insertion into Global Value Chains:
• Export, Outward & Inward FDI.
• Critical Mass: average 118 Members & Turn-over > 1% GDP of the BC
• Provide Services (TW&CI, Training…), Facilitate Work Groups & Projects.
• Territorial scope: at least the Basque Country Regional

6. Some Positive Outputs of the Policy
Revision
ZOOMING OUT: the larger picture beyond Cluster Associations’ Boundaries
To see where industries interrelate & opportunities for collaboration arise.
 Cooperate Cross-cutting Horizontal initiatives
 Integrate & Converge Smaller into Broader focus
 Merge Complementary, Synergic Action
Results of New Measures introduced by Policy Revision 2015-16:
• Strengthen cluster associations’ orientation towards SME
• Stress the importance of critical mass and wider impact and
• Broaden cluster associations’ focus and domain
• Better alignment to RIS3
Circular Economy
Advanced Manufacturing
Logistics, Mobility, ITS,

7. Lessons Learned
Timescale: Long Term Public Support > Sustainability, Continuity, Engagement (PPP)
•Improving SMEs’ Competitiveness & access to Global Value Chains
•Widening the impact of Public policies in broader scope interests and initiatives.
Industrial Trends Observatory (Dialogue & Feedback)
FDI attraction strategy and implementation (preparation of proposals…)
Support in thematic policies (Transport, Health…) or FDI Attraction
Dynamic Evolution
Size & Scale.
Focus => Related variety >< Specialized Diversification: Emerging Industries
RIS3 Cross-cutting Priority Domains
Relevant role of Clusters in Deployment of RIS3; key actors in Priority Domains’
Steering Groups & WGs, as participant & coordinators of the Strategic Initiatives &
Cross-cluster projects, identifying Experts forum from Large & SMEs…); aligning Public-
Private Efforts in R&D+I.

8. Challenges
Systematic Evaluation for Action
Atributability, Relevance, Accountancy >< Data Quality (Monitoring)
Integrated Joined-Up Policy Mix (Competitiveness & other Public policies)
Coordination, Reinforcement, Refeedback
Optimising the Level of Engagement of Cluster members
In particular of SMEs
Break Out of Inertia
Adaptive boundaries
World Class Clusters
International and Cross-regional Cooperation and Outreach

9. Thank you very
much
David Fernández Terreros
dfernandez@spri.eus
Clusters Coordination and Reseach
SPRI Basque Business Development Agency

10. Future Trends
Clusters of Innovation … and Entrepreneurship
Intrapreneurship, Entrepreneurship… Testing Production Facilities, FabLab…
Large Companies involvement in Talent Attraction and Start-Ups Acceleration
E.g. BIN 4.0 (PPP)