METHODOLOGICAL BENCHMARKS FOR IDENTIFYING THE INDUSTRIAL BRANCHES WITH CLUSTERING POTENTIAL OF THE MOLDOVAN ECONOMY

Abstract

The Republic of Moldova has decided relatively recently to integrate the cluster concept in its industrial policy, aiming to increase in this way the competitiveness of enterprises. However, the regulatory framework is limited to recognizing the importance of clusters but does not come with specific measures to facilitate their creation and development. This study aimed to identify the branches of the manufacturing industry that reveal the potential to be transformed into functional clusters. The results show that the traditional industries: food, clothing, furniture, but also the relatively new ones for Moldova such as the production of machinery, appliances, and equipment meet the necessary preconditions to be transformed into clusters. Thus, through cluster-type initiatives, these branches can be brought to a higher state of development, generating more added-value and competitiveness.

Keywords

• cluster
• specialization
• industry
• methodical benchmarks for cluster identification
• economy of the republic of moldova