Network Management FITT (Fostering Interregional Exchange in ICT Technology Transfer)

2 | Network Management Cluster and Network Cluster Definition A cluster is a geography proximate group of interconnected companies and associated institutions in a particular field, linked by commonalities and complementarities”. (M.E. Porter) Network Definition A network is a formal or informal organisation that facilitates the exchange of information and technology and fosters various kinds of co- ordination and collaboration.

3 | Network Management Overview: Network Management  Network and Clusters Management tools are included in the FITT practices  Both are a channel for knowledge transfer  Relevance of networks and clusters for economic growth undoubted  A lot of efforts have been taken to start cluster initiatives, often with support of public money  Strong need for professional management tools  Strong need for monitoring efforts and results

4 | Network Management Requirements for the development of professional cluster management tools Fostering Collaboration  Foster the processes inside the networks & clusters: Members need to be in an atmosphere for intense collaboration and frequent exchange of knowledge Monitoring and evaluation  Very important in order to identify successful actions and activities without impact Learning effects  Learning effects have to be activated by the management tools as they allow a systematic view on the processes  Growing experience in cluster management

5 | Network Management 3 Instruments for cluster management Monitoring tool (Network Management Scorecard by Tudor & Cluster Management Scorecard by MFG):  instrument to measure the performance of cluster initiatives and networks  successful actions and activities without impact can be identified Cluster Handbook (Cluster Manual by MFG):  Interactive tool to document the experiences of cluster managers  Every cluster manager is invited to write articles, definitions and experiences; the community can discuss the content in interactive forums An online collaboration platform (Cluster Collaboration Platform)  online browser based collaboration platform  communication between members in an interactive way  social network programs: interaction and collaboration

6 | Network Management Monitoring Tool: Balanced Scorecard Aim  Professionalize cluster management  Allow effective monitoring and evaluation of activities  Show and visualize effects of cluster management Elements  Define vision  Define actions and targets  Monitor and evaluate 2 Practice: Tudor Network Management Scorecard and MFG Cluster Management Scorecard

7 | Network Management Parts of the Process: Network Management Scorecard – 3 steps approach NSC Suite 1: Strategic vision Values « we are » Strategic objectives « we want to » Operational objectives « we have to » Strategic map NSC Suite 2: plan of action Identification of activities Planification Priorisation Plan d’action

8 | Network Management Parts of the Process: Cluster Management Scorecard Step 1 : Checking the strategy Step 2 Define the structure of the Step 3: Setting Objectives, targets and strategic initiatives Step 4: Implementation Step 5: Learning effects

9 | Network Management Cluster Manual Aim  Collection of up to date information on cluster management  Allow contributions  Offer a nice package of information: wiki, audio, news, etc. Elements  Guide in wiki format  Overview on instruments  Additional features: audio contributions 2 Practice: Network Management Scorecard and Cluster Management Scorecard

10 | Network Management Parts of the Process: Cluster Manual Cluster Manual: Help for cluster managers Summary of instruments for cluster managers Audio contributions: interviews with cluster experts News, events and literature from the cluster world

11 | Network Management Parts of the Process: Cluster Collaboration Platform  Central Platform for cluster managers  Many functions for collaboration and exchange  Structure of the Platform: Cluster Manual see Practice Cluster Manual News & Information Community Monitoring Tool see Practice Cluster Management Scorecard

12 | Network Management Suggested Readings Michel Porter: The Competitive Advantage of Nations, NY: Free Press, 1990 Michel Porter: Clusters and New Economics of Competition, Harvard Bus Review, Nov.-Dic, 1998.