READING:

Contents

1. Introduction 5 2. Clusters in Europe – the statistical picture 7 2.1. Clusters as drivers of prosperity in a global economy 7 2.2. Cluster presence in Europe: first results from the European Cluster Observatory 9 2.3. Cluster mapping: the methodological challenges ahead 14 3. National and regional policies for clusters: main concepts and future challenges 17 3.1. A framework for mapping cluster-specific policies 17 3.2. The impact of cluster policies: some preliminary results 21 3.3. Complementarities between regional, national and European cluster policies 22 4. The complementary role of Community instruments 25 4.1. Community instruments supporting better cluster policy design at national and regional level 25 4.2. Community instruments supporting cluster development at national and regional level 27 4.3. Community instruments supporting networking between clusters and collaboration between cluster-relevant organisations across Europe 28 5. Towards a better valorisation of the concept of clusters for innovation 31 6. Annex 33