Innovating in cluster policy: the
case of Catalonia
Alberto Pezzi
Department of Enterprise and Labour
Government of Catalonia
President TCI Network
Fifth International Conference on Clusters
Opatija, 9th May 2011
Index
1. Some reference to cluster “basics”
2. Innovating in cluster policies
3. The case of Catalonia
4. Conclusions
1
Index
1. Some reference to cluster “basics”
2
Some reference to cluster “basics”
Cluster (“wild cluster”) Cluster initiative Cluster organization / association
“Clusters are geographic “Cluster initiatives are organised Cluster organizations are entities that
concentrations of interconnected efforts to increase the growth and are managing and representing a
companies, specialized suppliers, competitiveness of clusters within cluster initiative.
service providers, firms in related a region, involving cluster firms,
industries, and associated government and/or the research A cluster organization does not
institutions in particular fields that community” necessarily have members, but it
compete but also cooperate” provides services to the cluster
Örjan Sölvell, Göran Lindqvist & initiative participants.
Michael E. Porter (2008) Christian Ketels in The Cluster
Initiative Greenbook (2003). A cluster association is a not for
profit legally formed entity gathering
businesses and other stakeholders
involved in cluster initiatives
Technological
Warehouse Associations Centres
Unió d’adobadors AIICA
Buyers CEC-FECUR
S Gremi de Blanquers
L
A Footwear industry Mentoring
U Implementation
G
H Leather tanners Apparel industry Mapping Anlysis Monitoring
T
Raw materials Fontanellas i Marti
Institutionalization
E
R Vidal Bosch
Goes SA
Torras SA Evaluation
H (recolectors) Curtidos Badia (...)
O
U
S Other end-users
E
S
Cleaning and
tanning
Adovinbe Chemical
products
3
Some reference to cluster “basics”
Areas for improving competitiveness of clusters
Help cluster firms to upgrade their Improve cluster business
strategies environment
Different strategic options at Improve support and related
company level industries
Iniciatives according to strategy Improve factor conditions: training,
Horizontal cooperation activities technological transfer, etc.
among companies Reinforce sophisticated demand:
Strategic change at company level public procurementAd hoc training
……… Adapt and reinforce horizontal policy:
innovation, internationalization, quality,
etc.
……..
4
Index
1. Some reference to cluster “basics”
2. Innovating in cluster policies
5
Innovating in cluster policy
“Cluster policies can be defined as specific governmental
efforts to support clusters”
EC Staff Working Document, SEC(2008) 2637
***
Policies directed at creating, mobilizing or strengthening a particular cluster
Microeconomics policies directed to improve business environment
Adapted from Oxford Research, (2008) Cluster Policy in Europe, Brussels.
6
Innovating in cluster policy
Different levels of cluster policy application
EU policy framework
for clusters
National cluster
policies
Local and city level
cluster initiatives
Regional cluster
Other projects and schemes: policies
- Transnational level
- Multilateral, etc.
7
Innovating in cluster policy
Some data on cluster in Europe
Over 2.000 regional
clusters
38% of European jobs
concentrated in clusters
Approximately 1.400
cluster organizations (*)
130 funding schemes
specifically dedicated to
clusters en 31 countries
Sources: EC, ProinnoEurope, The concept of
clusters and cluster policies and their role for
competitiveness and innovation: main
statistical results and lesson learned, 2008,
(*) European Cluster Observatory, 2011..
8
Innovating in cluster policy
Why it is necessary to innovate in cluster policy?
- Because the way of competing and the market are continuously evolving and they
need appropriate policies
- Because different types of competitiveness reinforcement initiatives requires
different supporting policies and actions
- Because cluster initiatives have a very high learning by doing component
- Because cluster are not “islands” and are influenced by what is happening in the
world (think globally, act locally)
9
Innovating in cluster policy
Areas of potential innovation in cluster policy
Innovating in scooping and shaping competitiveness reinforcement
initiatives at cluster level
– Industry center initiatives Vs. market / concept grouping
– Geographically concentrated Vs. territorial diffused
– Industry centered Vs. Cross-sectoral
Innovating in working with clusters (internal organization)
Innovating in methodology
Innovating in cluster management and governance
Innovating in the way of funding cluster initiatives
………..
10
Index
1. Some reference to cluster “basics”
2. Innovating in cluster policies
3. The case of Catalonia
11
The case of Catalonia
Why the case of Catalonia is be interesting?
- For its long-haul: almost two decades of experience
- Because it is based on an original methodology
- Because it is a learning by doing experience
- Because it is well documented…
1993 - 2004 2004 - 2009 2009 onward
I phase II phase III phase
THE MICROCLUSTER CONSOLIDATION, EVOLUTION OF CLUSTER
APPROACH AS THE UNIT INTERNAL SKILL CONCEPT,
OF REFERENCE FOR DEVELOPMENT, INSTITUTIONALIZATION,
COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT PROFESIONALIZATION
REINFORCEMENT DIVERSIFICATION AND FUNDING
INITIATIVES
12
The case of Catalonia
EVOLUCIÓN DE LES POLÍTICAS DE CLUSTERS EN CATALUÑA
KEY MILESTONES IN CATALAN CLUSTER POLICY
1993 - 2004 Michael, E. Porter, On Competition, 1998
I phase
THE MICROCLUSTER
APPROACH AS THE UNIT
OF REFERENCE FOR
COMPETITIVENESS
REINFORCEMENT
INITIATIVES
Innovating in cluster conception and use
13
The case of Catalonia
EVOLUCIÓN DE LES POLÍTICAS DE CLUSTERS EN CATALUÑA
KEY MILESTONES IN CATALAN CLUSTER POLICY
1993 - 2004 2004 - 2009
I phase II phase
Creation of an internal cluster
unit to retain talent and knowledge
THE MICROCLUSTER CONSOLIDATION,
APPROACH AS THE UNIT INTERNAL SKILL Develop cluster-specific instruments
OF REFERENCE FOR DEVELOPMENT, to facilitate strategic change
COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT Design of different cluster
REINFORCEMENT DIVERSIFICATION reinforcement initiatives to
INITIATIVES work with different groups of
companies (clusters or similar)
Innovating in internal organization
and cluster initiatives design
14
The case of Catalonia
Type of project Example Scope Objectives
Local cluster Sanitary taps Baix One or more Cluster competitiveness
competitiveness Llobregat counties reinforcement by promoting
reinforcement Cork industry in Costa strategic change and horizontal
initiatives Brava cooperation initiatives
Strategy-focused Transformation of textile Variable Identify emerging winning
clusters industry: branding and strategies inside a cluster or sector
retail and prepare a “taylor-made” and
Growing strategies in innovative support scheme
food industry
Incipient and emerging Optics and photonics Variable Identify potential and incipient
clusters .. Photovoltaic clusters and fostering their
development
Local competitiveness Ripolles county City or county Screening of main economic
reinforcement development plan activities and existing clusters to
Osona innovation plan define cluster-based initiatives
Other competitiveness Well-being Variable Competitiveness reinforcement
reinforcement Kid-related products initiative of a group of companies
initiatives group by alternative criteria (ex.
market, concept, etc.)
Source: OPI, 2009 15
The case of Catalonia
EVOLUCIÓN DE LES POLÍTICAS DE CLUSTERS EN CATALUÑA
KEY MILESTONES IN CATALAN CLUSTER POLICY
1993 - 2004 2004 - 2009 2009 onward
I phase II phase III phase
THE MICROCLUSTER CONSOLIDATION, EVOLUTION OF CLUSTER
APPROACH AS THE UNIT INTERNAL SKILL CONCEPT,
OF REFERENCE FOR DEVELOPMENT, INSTITUTIONALIZATION,
COMPETITIVENESS PROJECT PROFESIONALIZATION AND
REINFORCEMENT DIVERSIFICATION FUNDING
INITIATIVES
Innovating in cluster scooping and
Governance
16
The case of Catalonia
From traditional statistically-defined
cluster initiatives to strategy-centere ones
+ Brand Leading
Functional
Brands
Food-sector clusters Food
Retail
Gourmet specialis
t
Organic
food
Retail
Brand
Food Distributio
n service
service
Meat processing - Brand
Wine and cava HORECA Big Distr. New Trad. retail Retail
Olive-oil Chains Channels specialist
…
Farm machinery
Fishing
17
The case of Catalonia
Kids related activities value chain in Catalonia SALES BIG DISTRIBUTION
MARKET
CHANNEL
INDUSTRY – OWN PRODUCT COMPANIES
Pharmacy
FOOD
(food, children specific products-breakfast, snack..- confectionery,
sweets...) Independent Retailers
HYGIENE, COSMETICS, HEALTH
(Cologne, soap, nappies, creams, medicines...)
LICENSES STAKEHOLDERS
FASHION AND ACCESSORIES
IMAGE OWNERS-LICENSES
(Clother, shoes, accessories for children...)
DISTRIBUTION
Retailers Independent
HABITAT
Retailers
(decor, children’s furniture, home textile...)
Child Child
CHILDCARE ITEMS specialist specialist
(prams, child car seats...)
LEISURE AND ENTRETEINMENT (toys, audiovisual products, books...)
SCHOOL EQUIPMENT School Distribution
(stationery,textbooks...)
ORGANISED EDUCATION SERVICES
ORGANISED LEISURE SERVICES
18
The case of Catalonia
Selected competitiveness reinforcement initiatives at cluster and sectoral level
(2005 – 2010)
Metal-mechanical in Ripollès
Cork Industry in Costa Brava
Farm Machinery in Lleida
La Selva IP
Manresa Innovation plan Textile in Bages Leather Tanning in Osona
Osona IP Fireplaces in Centelles
Knitwear in Anoia
Household Furniture in la Garriga
Textile in Maresme
Moulds and Dies
Wine and cava Motorcycles
Medical devices
Delta of Llobregat IP Graphic Arts in Barcelonès
Household Furniture in la Sénia Taps and valves Baix Llobregat
Optics and Photonics
Fashion Industry
Lightning industry
Gourmet Food
•Cluster competitive reinforcement initiatives Food Service
•Strategy centered reinforcement projects Maritime industry
•Emerging Clusters
•Local Development and Innovation Plans
Technical Fabrics
•Other projects Renewable energies: photovoltaics and wind power
Children-related products
Well-being cluster
Sports equipment
Green vehicle (in progres)
19
The case of Catalonia
Main features of “new generation” cluster initiatives: ILLUSTRATIVE
- Bigger market dimension
- Cluster initiatives defined by strategy rather than by industry / technology
HABITAT
- “Cross-industry” focus CHEMICAL
- Transnational dimension
FASHION AND DESIGN
- Private leadership in the medium-long term HEALTH AND WELLBEING
- Professionalized management ICT
CONTENT
AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
- Flexible concept of cluster seen mainly as a tool for designing
and implementing competitiveness reinforcement initiatives FOOD
- Temporary limited and decreasing co-funding
ENERGY AND CLEANTECH
MOBILITY
MACHINERY
Source: OPI
20
The case of Catalonia
SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES IN CLUSTER POLICIES IN THE LAST YEARS
CONCEPTION CONCEPTION
Microcluster Diversification of projects:
Territorial clusters cross-sectoral, definition by market
Business centered or strategy
Efficient critical mass
IMPLEMENTATION
IMPLEMENTATION
No dedicated tools
No dedicated personnel Cluster specific tools
Internal skills building
GOVERNANCE GOVERNANCE
Existing bodies New organizations at cluster level
Government only Government with a more proactive role
as catalyst
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Index
1. Some reference to cluster “basics”
2. Innovating in cluster policies
3. The case of Catalonia
4. Conclusions
22
Conclusions
How do innovation in cluster policy could arise?
- Internal learning by doing
- External inputs and guidance from other cluster practitioners experience and
especially from TCI Network
- Deep knowledge of local economic fabric and “smart observation” of market trends
Lessons learned
- The cluster is the tool not the goal
- Competitiveness (the goal) is a moving target that requires constant adaptation
of policies
- It is not the ingredients, but the recipe.. (Prof. AnnaLee Saxenian)
23
Conclusions
Cluster are not about creating associations or
funding schemes……….
clusters are a spontaneous socio-economic
phenomenon which can be helpful to reinforce
regional competitiveness ….
if properly managed!
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For more information or for request a copy of
Cluster and competitiveness: the case of Catalonia (1993-2010),
please contact me at:
apezzi@gencat.cat
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