1. CLUNET pilot project High Technology Products Manufacturers' Cluster A pilot project proposed by as part of the european project Marko Jurančič; Ljubljana; 10th of April 2009

2. Marko Jurančič; B.Sc.of Mechanical Engineering R&D Engineer in the company Kogast Grosuplje d.d., factory of catering equipment Coordinator in the High Technology Products Manufacturers' Cluster Personal presentation

3. Foundation (year 2002): High Technology Products Manufacturers' Cluster. With aim of better cooperation among metal industry companies which produce capital equipment in region, supporting companies in supplier chains and institutions we established the High Technology Products Manufacturers' Cluster. Description: VT-Cluster is a business association of 12 companies and 4 institutions. The members are divided in three groups: - Basic companies represent a considerable part of Slovene metal industry (5) - Supporting companies (7) - Institutions (4) High Technology Products Manufacturers' Cluster Introduction

4. Lian Ekosistemi d.o.o. Institutions: Companies: High Technology Products Manufacturers' Cluster No. of employees:5900 Annual turn over: 800 mio. €

5. International activities and connections Commercial activities: a) Sales: European Union, Russian federation, States of former Yugoslavia, Canada, India, Iran, etc. b) Common turn-key projects abroad, c) Collaborative marketing activities (e.g. participation on fairs), d) Common service network. R&D Activities: Participation in R&D projects (sharing experiences and good practices) a) 6th Framework Program; VIVA; years 2005 to 2007; European Virtual Center for Innovation Excellence Assessment b) 6th Framework Program; E4; years 2006 to 2008; Extended Enterprise Management in Enlarged Europe

6. Traditional industry branches: Our basic activity (metal industry) is rather traditional  less novelties like in fast developing branches. Basic production companies in our cluster have good organized own R&D departments  less internal needs to establish new incubators or spin-off companies inside the cluster. More developing branches (like ICT, Biotechnology): More incubators, spin-off companies, dynamic relationships Business environment in Slovenia is improving Links and cross-feeding between clustering and incubation

7. Announcement of ambitious project Period: Start in autumn 09; 2 years Expected results: computer controlled appliances, energy saving kitchen, unique computer system for buildings. Collaboration: companies, R&D laboratories, institutions, external spin-off companies and other clusters. Other goals: - financing from European R&D programs -collaboration with international institutions Computer Controlled Commercial Kitchen - Part 2 (Part 1 finished before 2 years; requirements from market)

8. Question: Why are the companies establishing and joining the clusters? Collaborating companies like to be stronger and more competitive on the market; Companies can offer advanced solutions; Better collaboration among production companies, supporting companies and institutions; Sharing experiences and best practices; Influence in education processes; International collaboration.