Role of Universities in supporting Cluster development How the tertiary education sector can contribute Prof. Dr. Peter Heydebreck Brno, May 30th Clusters Conference – Building successful regions through dynamic Clusters

Universities’ contribution  State-of-the-art competence  Networks  Image / reputation  Neutral ground for clustering stakeholders Universities can offer:

Supporting Cluster development  Generation of sufficient leading knowledge and critical mass to raise awareness for a theme  Lobbying for a conscious cluster policy  Satisfying cluster members’ needs  Contribute to make the cluster internationally known  Contribute to foresight processes

Key success factors  Clear mandate (including financial resources)  Strategy of the University  Dedication of all key University staff to the overall strategy  Reward and incentive systems (including recruitment and career development policies) must reflect the strategy  Professional consultancy support  Perseverance

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