Cluster Development and Economic Investment
An economic cluster is best described as a formalized network of producing firms and service providers, research institutions and connected institutions like associations and economic development agencies in a certain region. The members of suchlike networks share common interests e.g. in supply or value chains or in the creation of framework conditions.
Looking at the global exchange of goods and services in multinational supply chains, cluster structures are increasingly important in developing countries and emerging markets for a successful local and regional economic integration. Investment in specific clusters means understanding the specific potentials of an economic region and to develop it in a comprehensive manner. Specifically, in settings where public institutional structures for economic development are insufficient, private-sector driven cluster initiatives can help to bridge these institutional gaps.
The exact function that a cluster should fulfill, its internal organization, financing and operationalization are all fundamental questions when building clusters, also regarding its sustainability. Due to different circumstances in different countries and sectors, these questions have to be answered and negotiated case by case by members of a cluster and potential supporters. Nevertheless, especially for developing countries clusters offer opportunities for setting up cross-sectorial alliances and for integration in value chains, based on a more special approach which is usually not covered by traditional promotion of individual sectors.
The cluster for metal and renewable energy in Kosovo (MIRECK) that was founded in 2016 is a good example for this. Established firms of the traditionally strong metal sector cooperate with new firms from the solar-, wind-, and hydroelectric sector. Technical universities and other universities, as well as political actors were brought in, all with the common goal of making Kosovo a leader in renewable energy in the region.
OUR SERVICES
Como advises and guides actors of existing or potential clusters in the conception and organizational set-up of a cluster. Como structures, advises and guides the cluster building process (Negotiation of the cooperative structure with all members) as well as the organizational development of clusters.
