The document discusses tools for managing networks and clusters to foster collaboration and knowledge transfer. It describes three instruments: 1) monitoring tools like the Network Management Scorecard and Cluster Management Scorecard to measure performance and identify successful activities. 2) A Cluster Handbook/Manual to document experiences through a wiki and allow expert contributions. 3) An online Cluster Collaboration Platform to enable interactive communication and collaboration between members. The tools aim to professionalize cluster management and facilitate monitoring, evaluation, and learning.

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

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.

7. Parts of the Process: Network Management Scorecard – 3 steps approach NSC Suite 1: Strategic vision Values « we are » Strategic objectives « we want to » Operational objectives « we have to » Strategic map NSC Suite 2: plan of action Identification of activities Planification Priorisation Plan d’action

8. Parts of the Process: Cluster Management Scorecard Step 1 : Checking the strategy Step 2 Define the structure of the Step 3: Setting Objectives, targets and strategic initiatives Step 4: Implementation Step 5: Learning effects

10. Parts of the Process: Cluster Manual Cluster Manual: Help for cluster managers Summary of instruments for cluster managers Audio contributions: interviews with cluster experts News, events and literature from the cluster world

12. 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.