Cluster policies in SE Europe

The present study presents a review of selected regional/national level cluster policies in SE Europe. A combination of both qualitative and quantitative analyses were adopted to capture different perspectives on cluster policy conditions. Based on results from 47 in-depth structured interviews with cluster managers spread across different SE Europe countries/regions (Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, three Italian regions (Emilia Romagna, Marche and Veneto), Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia), and discussions from representatives of policy makers, a systematic review of cluster framework conditions has been presented. They cover six main cluster development areas: cooperation and networking; financing; sustainability; innovation and R&D; new skills and jobs creation, and regional specialisation. Such study, reviewing the cluster framework conditions, evaluating the impact of policy measures/initiatives for the emergence, growth and excellence of clustersin the SEE area, is an innovative contribution to the setting up of evidence-based cluster policies in the SEE regions.