Industrial clusters - enabling environment for innovation, growth and smart specialization

Abstract

The purpose the present report is to present the evolution of theoretical concepts and dynamics in the term "clusters". This article will explain what clusters and cluster networks are, describe their classification, their sectoral division and will present approaches to foster clusters and their establishment as competitive and sustainable structures. Because of the great economic success of clusters as a form of economic, political and educational cooperation between different in structure, scope and activity organizations a major emphasis will be placed mainly on the mechanisms for the realization of sustainable and intelligent growth energized by clusters and their networks, incentives for formation and key factors in the realization of their activity. The research also corroborates that the enabling cluster policies represent as powerful pathway and incentives, and support the creation of value added chain for companies while generating knowledge-producing customers. However, the focus remains over the relationship and interdependence among participants in the production and creating innovation process.