An investigation of a new concept of world-class clusters in Europe - A case study of the Visegrad group of countries

Abstract

Nowadays, in order to successfully compete on a global level, it has become crucial for clusters to search for new alternative solutions to enable them stay competitive. One of these solutions is the need for the creation of a wider scale of networking – which is where the new idea of “clustering the clusters” appears. This paper aims at investigating the development of a new concept of World-Class Clusters and inter-cluster collaboration in Europe with focus on the Visegrad Group of countries i.e. Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. The type and subject/area of clusters’ cooperation is one of the focal points. Hence, this paper conducts a detailed examination of the reasons why certain clusters are willing to cooperate (the benefits of collaboration) while others are not interested in this type of collaboration at all (restrictions, barriers of collaboration). Additionally, the positive (opportunities) and negative (threats) aspects of inter-cluster cooperation are distinguished.