Martina Sopoligová

Tomas Bata University in Zlín

Czech Republic

Email: martina.sopoligova@gmail.com

Cluster policy in Europe and Asia: A comparison using selected cluster policy characteristics

Drahomíra Pavelková

Tomas Bata University in Zlín

Czech Republic

Email: pavelkova@fame.utb.cz

Abstract. Currently, cluster concept is one of the most important tools for governments to enhance competitiveness and innovations through sectoral specialization and cooperation. The paper focuses on applications of the cluster policy in the distinct territorial context of Europe and Asia so that to perform a comparison between different approaches to the cluster concept application in real practice. The paper introduces a comparative study of the cluster policy concepts based on the characteristics defined by the authors, such as scope, approach, targeting, autonomy, institutional coordination, policy instruments and evaluation system studied for the selected European and Asian countries such as Denmark, France, Germany, China, Japan, and South Korea. The research draws upon processing the secondary data obtained through content analysis of the related literature, government documents and strategies, and also cluster funding programmes. The findings demonstrate the diversity of cluster policies implemented in the context of European and Asian conditions at the current stage of their development.

Received: June, 2017

1st Revision: August, 2017

Accepted: October, 2017

DOI: 10.14254/2071-8330.2017/10-3/3

JEL Classification: O18, O32, R11, R58

Keywords: cluster policy, characteristics of cluster policy, comparative study, Europe, Asia