By John Hobbs, presented at the 19th TCI Global Conference, Eindhoven, 2016.

1. Titel presentatie
[Naam, organisatienaam]
Working Day - Academic Track
Cluster Governance
Dr John Hobbs, Dr Eoin Byrne, Brigid Walsh and Conor Kelleher
Proving the Value of Inter-Cluster
Cooperation for Internationalisation:
EuroTech Connect

2. This project has received funding from the European Union’s
Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological
development and demonstration under grant agreement no.
319907
http://www.cit.ie
26th Economic Forum (2016)
Krynica Zdrój, Poland, 6th- 8th September
Proving the Value of Inter-Cluster Cooperation for
Internationalisation: EuroTech Connect
Dr John Hobbs, Dr Eoin Byrne, Brigid Walsh and Conor Kelleher
Department of Management and Enterprise, Cork Institute of Technology
www.cit.ie/vlinc
19th TCI Global Conference
This research has received funding from the European
Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research,
technological development and demonstration under grant
agreement no 319907

3. This project has received funding from the European Union’s
Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological
development and demonstration under grant agreement no.
319907
www.be-wiser.eu
Based on findings and research undertaken as part of the EC funded Be Wiser project,
this research highlights the opportunities available to the Irish Government and its
Regional Authorities through supporting functioning European style cluster organisations.
Discussion in the 1990s on industrial policy in Ireland, acknowledged that a competitive
and successful industrial performance requires the development of competitive
advantage through clusters (Culliton, 1992; DETE, 1993; Cooke, 1996; NESC, 1997; 1998).
However to date no specific cluster policy developed at a national level.
• The research findings showcase the significant role cluster organisations can play as
conduits to supporting member firms’ growth and internationalisation.
• Furthermore, the benefits of inter-cluster cooperation via cluster organisations at
European/International levels are described.
Introduction

4. This project has received funding from the European Union’s
Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological
development and demonstration under grant agreement no.
319907
www.be-wiser.eu
V-LINC is an expert research group which informs and develops policy recommendations
through mapping, visualising and analysing the strength of key relationships within
Cluster Ecosystems.
Applied across Europe and in the US via Be Wiser, and ERASMUS+ projects.
Measure Global Impact
Measure Levels of Internationalisation
Develop Targeted Strategy and Policy
Visualisation of Linkages in Networked Clusters

5. This project has received funding from the European Union’s
Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological
development and demonstration under grant agreement no.
319907
www.be-wiser.eu
Linking and Connecting SMEs
Step 2:
Link
Step 3:
Connect
Step 1:
Analyse

6. This project has received funding from the European Union’s
Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological
development and demonstration under grant agreement no.
319907
www.be-wiser.eu
Tangible EuroTech Connect Outputs:
• Twenty seven connections were made at the face-to-face ‘Be Wiser Connect’ event between the
visiting SMEs and IT firms and Research Centres located in Cork.
• Two NDA’s have been signed between visiting and Cork based firms.
• Two research centres in Cork are being supplied with IOT sensor technology from Spain.
• One visiting firm has had formal meetings with IDA Ireland re: opening an office in Cork.
• Visiting firms and cluster managers established connections with EMC, DePuy, Janssen and
Johnson Controls at a decision making CEO level.
Euro Tech Connect – Trade Mission (24-26/5/16)
David Marí Martínez (Eurecat), who accompanied two Spanish firms to Cork believes “EuroTech
Connect has been a very good example of what clusters should be doing in Europe right now in
terms of endeavouring to get companies together: fostering collaboration across regions and
sharing knowledge and experience through real face to face interaction with clear institutional
support. Zolertia and Sensing & Control were delighted with the opportunity to expand their
connections and collaborate with Irish firms”.
Step 3:
Connect

7. This project has received funding from the European Union’s
Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological
development and demonstration under grant agreement no.
319907
www.be-wiser.eu
• Byrne, E. (2016), Incorporating Network Theory and Visualisation into Cluster Analysis: A Hybrid Methodology Applied to
European ICT Clusters., PhD thesis, Cork Institute of Technology.
• Cooke, P. (1996), Networking for competitive advantage, Technical report, National Economic and Social Council Report No. 100,
Dublin.
• Culliton (1992), A time for change: Industrial policy for the 1990’s, Technical report, Report by the Industry Policy Review Group;
Dublin: Stationary Office.
• DETE (1993), Employment through enterprise, Technical report, Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment: Dublin: The
Stationery Office.
• DJEI (2015a), ‘Action Plan for Jobs 2012,’ Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, available at: http://www.djei.ie.
• DJEI (2015b), ‘Action Plan for Jobs: South-West Region,’ Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, available at:
http://www.djei.ie.
• EI (2012), ‘New €2million clustering programme to promote cooperation between businesses and create more jobs – Minister
Bruton,’ [Press Release], available at: www.enterpriseireland.com.
• EI (2016), ‘Call for Pilot Clustering Programme 2016,’ [Press Release], available at: www.enterprise-ireland.com.
• Estévez, J. M. (2015), ‘Cluster Analysis in Catalonia: From Theory to Practice,’ Presentation at the CIT Cluster Seminar Series 28th
September: Cork, Ireland.
• EU (2012), Guide to Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (RIS 3), Luxembourg: European Union.
• Hobbs, J. (2010), A Framework for Analysis of Spatial Specialisations of Industry, PhD thesis, Cork Institute of Technology.
• Hobbs, J., Byrne, E., Walsh, B., and Walsh, M. (2015), Building Enterprises – Wireless and Internet Security in European Regions:
Joint Action Plan, Public Report, April, Ireland, available at: http://be-wiser.eu/assets/JAP.pdf.
• Hoegler, T., Zuccotti, A., and Hobbs, (2015), Building Enterprises – Wireless and Internet Security in European Regions:
Internationalisation Strategy, Public Report, December, Germany, available at: http://be-wiser.eu.
• NESC (1997), Clusters in Ireland, Technical report, National Economic and Social Council (Research Series Nos. 1-3), Dublin.
• NESC (1998), Sustaining competitive advantage: Proceedings of NESC seminar, Technical report, National Economic and Social
Council: Dublin.
• Pamminger, W. (2015), ‘Key Skills for Successful Cluster Management,’ Presentation at Clusters as Drivers of Competitiveness –
3rd International Cluster conference 30th September – 1st of October, Limerick, Ireland.
References

8. This project has received funding from the European Union’s
Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological
development and demonstration under grant agreement no.
319907
http://www.cit.ie
Thanks for your attention!
Dr John Hobbs,
Senior Lecturer, Department of Management and Enterprise,
Cork Institute of Technology. Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork.
Mobile: 00353 86 8091294 Office: 00353 21 4335149
Email: john.hobbs@cit.ie Skype: jhobbs.cit
www.cit.ie/vlinc
This research has received funding from the European
Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research,
technological development and demonstration under grant
agreement no 319907