Interregional Co-operation for Development of Innovative Regional Economic Clusters
In recent years proactive cluster management has become one of the standard tools of regional development. It is important for promoting technology-oriented economic development and for helping small and medium-sized companies to meet the challenges of global competition. However, approaches to cluster management differ widely and information gaps still exist in many regions. Overall objective / Objectif général “INNOFIRE - Interregional Co-operation for Development of Innovative Regional Economic Clusters” aims to improve and support existing local and regional cluster and networking initiatives through strategic interregional co-operation. Taking as an example regional clusters in the field of health business and medical technology, the partnership aims to exchange experience and transfer know-how on techniques and tools for effective cluster management. Expected results / Résultats attendus INNOFIRE leads to increased awareness of and knowledge on cluster management and support policies in the participating regions. Partners establish pro-active cluster start-up and management policies and improve the efficiency of existing support services. Activities include the analysis and benchmarking of existing policies and instruments as well as the development of new policies and tools for cluster management. Among others, partners develop the “MediMap” webtool, that supports the communication of available knowledge in the field of medical technologies and businesses as a supporting instrument.