International Innovative Clusters – The Growth of Regional Competitiveness

Abstract

The dynamics of clusters is an extremely complex process and is more visible in the regions where innovation and economic growth creates a favorable climate for collaboration and specialization, and also for competition in achieving outstanding performance. Romanian cluster policy was from the beginning until now, a part of industrial policy, neglecting non-industrial clusters with key role in the development of some intelligent services for economic growth and population welfare. Currently, Romania has successful clusters in various economic sectors and services: auto, wood industry, garment industry, agro-food industry, tourism, health and medical sciences, renewable energy, essential generic technologies (KET), creative and cultural sectors, construction, information and communications technology, naval and logistics. The partnership with EU Member States, with regions, with cities and with private sector is essential in the next process of industrial modernization, based on innovation. The study shows the role of innovative clusters in economic development at European and national level and cluster policies, which can be defined as specific government efforts to support clusters.

Keywords

• clusters
• innovations
• competitiveness
• regional development