Benefits
The Cluster Competitiveness Report allows the monitoring of the competitiveness of clusters worldwide.
The Cluster Competitiveness Report...
...is an independent and objective reference. There is no commercial interest attached to the Clusters Competitiveness Report so the results will be unbiased, thus making the information more valuable and actionable.
...is based on the consistent conceptual framework developed by Michael E. Porter at the Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness in Boston. It has already been tested on a large number of cluster competitiveness initiatives.
...is web-based and automatic. This survey is available on the Internet, the evaluation and reporting is computerized and there are built-in quality checks. Errors are thus reduced and automation keeps costs low.
...will allow cluster comparisons. This initiative is being launched on a global scale thus constituting a unique source of data on clusters, not previously available. Over time, this will allow both cross region and cross country cluster comparison.
For regional governments, development agencies and cluster and industry associations
The data created by the Clusters Competitiveness Report will provide regional governments, development agencies and cluster and industry associations with:
- A comprehensive understanding of the structure of their cluster.
- A rigorous assessment of the cluster's strengths and weaknesses.
- An objective reference to detect areas for improvement in clusters.
- A guide to set specific, actionable and measurable goals for the launch of new cluster programs and verify if these are achieved.
- The proper foundation to develop cluster-upgrading policies and to evaluate policy alternatives.
- An objective instrument to evaluate and measure the impact of cluster policies.
- A valuable tool to efficiently assign resources in cluster-based economic development.
For individual companies
Every member of the cluster will benefit in some way from the Cluster Competitiveness Report. It will provide them with:
- A neutral assessment of their cluster which in turn will help them to understand areas that require improvement in both their cluster and their individual companies.
- A reference to adapt their strategies and their way of doing business.
- An improved business environment, resulting from public and private actions.
- An objective source of data which will support constructive and permanent communication with regional authorities, thus improving relations and ensuring a better understanding between the two parties.
- In the long run, cross region and even cross country analysis of clusters within the same industry.