Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cluster Competitiveness Report?

The Cluster Competitiveness Report is a web-based, automated system of reporting on cluster competitiveness and cluster-policy effectiveness. The report is objective and independent and measures the performance of clusters. It is designed to help business leaders to better understand their clusters' competitive position, and government leaders to measure progress and prioritise cluster-specific policy choices.

Who is behind the creation of the Cluster Competitiveness Report?

The Catalonian government in conjunction with Michel E. Porter have set up an independent foundation (Fundació Clusters i Competitivitat) designed to measure the effectiveness of regional economic clusters worldwide. The Cluster Competitiveness Report is based on the robust methodology developed by Michael E. Porter in collaboration with the Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness, which is based at Harvard Business School.

Who else is involved in the Cluster Competitiveness Report?

The four motors for Europe (Lombardia, Wales, Baden-Württemberg, Rhône-Alpes) have all shown strong interest in the project. This initiative has the full support of the Catalonian government and the former Minister of labour, industry, trade and tourism of the Catalonian government, Hon. Antoni Subirà, is chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Clusters and Competitiveness Foundation.

How does the Cluster Competitiveness Report work?

Information for the report is collected via a web based survey which is completed by the rapporteur, institutions and companies of each cluster. This information is then analysed and put into a report form. It is a process that takes place on an annual basis.

How long will the survey take to complete?

The quantitative part of the survey can be completed by any member of the organization and will take no more than half an hour to complete. The qualitative questions must be completed by a member of senior management but will only require half an hour of their time. Over all the survey will take a total of 1 hour to complete.

However, the survey does not have to be completed in one session. Data entered is automatically saved after completing each section so the respondent can return to it at any point.

Is the survey customised?

Although a large part of the survey is common to every cluster some questions have also been customized. This customised section will ask specific questions relating to each of the clients cluster and will be answered by a rapporteur. For example, the rapporteur may be asked to evaluate the competitiveness of 5 Institutes of Collaboration within a certain cluster. In this way, the results collected in the survey will be more specific to each cluster and this more actionable.

Who can act as cluster rapporteur?

The cluster rapporteur (or data-gathering institution) has to be based in the same local as the cluster and is normally someone who has close links with the cluster or who is directly involved. Also the rapporteur should be able to guarantee the participation of those companies presenting at least 25% of total cluster revenue.

How long will I have to complete the survey?

The Foundation sets a time margin of 10 months within which the client is able to specify his own start and end date for when the survey must be completed. For example a client may require each respondent to complete their section of the survey within two weeks of receiving it whereas others may wish to give each respondent the full 10 months to finish it.

What will happen if the survey is not completed by the closing date?

If, by the date set, not all the data has been submitted the cluster will receive the annual report as normal containing only those data that have been submitted. This simply means that the client will not get the full benefit from the survey.

Why should I, as a client, register my clusters and thus enable them to take the survey?

By registering, you will have access to the largest supply of information on cluster performance available. It will enable you to examine the effectiveness of strategies and operations and to evaluate the performance of your clusters hence proving you with a starting point for making improvements.

Is our cluster eligible to subscribe?

Any client (regional government, development agency or industry association) is able to subscribe any cluster to the Cluster Competitiveness Report. However, it should be noted that some clusters may get more benefit from it than others. For example, it is normally advised that the cluster contain a minimum of 5 companies. See recommended characteristics for more information.

Who is responsible for registering clusters?

If you are a company who would like to register their cluster with the Cluster Competitiveness Report, you should communicate with any institution that is developing cluster policy. This could be your local, regional or national government. Moreover, industry associations such as syndicates or development agencies are also able to register clusters. .

Why do I have to pay a fee?

Every cluster that enters the system is charged a start up and maintenance fee to ensure that you are offered the best services available. Both the start up and maintenance fee go towards the upkeep of the data collected and the production of the final report. However the start up fee is greater as, in addition to this, it goes towards training the rapporteur in completing the survey, thus reducing errors, and in building relationships with the client to ensure that you are provided with the most effective tool for cluster measurement.

Can I unsubscribe at any moment?

If you, as a client, feel that you are not benefiting from being part of the Cluster Competitiveness Report you are free to leave at any point. To do this, you must inform the Foundation. If you are a company or institution who no longer wishes to be included in the survey process, you must inform your cluster rapporteur. Please note that if you chose to leave while the survey is only half completed, you will not receive a refund.

Will my company data be secure?

When you register with the system you will be given a user name and password. Only registered users can enter the system and only the respondent will have access to the data that is entered. Your company data is only made available to other companies in the form of report, which contains the accumulated data from all the companies and institutions in the cluster.