Professional tools for cluster or network management are more important than ever as the management plays a decisive role for the success or the failure of a cluster initiative/network. Today there are no general cluster/network management methods available to optimize the management. The presented practices use the Balanced Scorecard method which gives the mangers a tool to professionalize the management and to monitor activities including measuring successes. www.FITT-for-Innovation.eu

1. Network Management
FITT
– Fostering Interregional Exchange in ICT Technology Transfer –
www.FITT-for-Innovation.eu
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2. 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.
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3. Overview: Network Management
 Network and cluster management tools are included in the FITT Toolbox
 Both are a channel for knowledge transfer
 Relevance of networks and clusters for economic growth is 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
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4. Requirements for the Development of
professional Cluster Management Tools
Fostering Collaboration
 Foster processes within networks & clusters: Members need to be in an
atmosphere for intense collaboration and frequent exchange of knowledge
Monitoring & 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
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5. Tools for Cluster Management
Monitoring Tools (Network Management Scorecard & Cluster Management
Scorecard):
 Instrument to measure the performance of cluster initiatives and networks
 Successful actions and activities without impact can be identified
Cluster Handbook (Cluster Manual):
 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
Collaboration Tools: Online Collaboration Platform (Cluster Collaboration Platform)
& Matchmaking Event (Research meets Business)
 Online browser based collaboration platform for interaction and collaboration
 Event for matching technologies with enterprises’ needs
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6. Parts of the Process: Monitoring Tools
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 Practices: Tudor’s Network Management Scorecard and MFG’s Cluster
Management Scorecard
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7. Parts of the Process: Network Management
Scorecard – 3 Steps Approach
NSC Suite 1: Strategic vision NSC Suite 2: plan of action
Values Identification of
« we are » activities
Strategic objectives
« we want to » Planification
Operational objectives
« we have to » Priorisation
Strategic map Plan d’action
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8. Parts of the Process: Cluster Management
Scorecard
Step 1: Checking the strategy
Step 2: Define the structure
Step 3: Set objectives,
targets & strategic initiatives
Step 4: Implementation
Step 5: Learning effects
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9. Parts of the Process: 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
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10. Parts of the Process: Cluster Manual
Cluster Manual: Summary of News, events and Audio contributions:
Help for cluster instruments for literature from the interviews with
managers cluster managers cluster world cluster experts
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11. Parts of the Process: Cluster Collaboration
Platform
 Central Platform for cluster managers
 Many functions for collaboration and exchange
 Structure of the Platform: www.kreatek.de
Cluster Manual News & Community Monitoring Tool
see Practice Cluster Manual see Practice Cluster Management
Information Scorecard
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12. Parts of the Process: Research meets Business
Matching technologies with enterprises’ needs
 Format of matchmaking event, organised by a research
organisation on a scientific topic and directed to SMEs.
During this event, enterprises have access to a short review of the
R&D in their field and to researchers via individual meetings.
The goal is twofold : trigger partnerships and technology transfer
and position the research centre as a reference in the sector.
This practice presents :
• the format (programme, speakers, target group, communication
material)
• the action plan from idea to implementation
• conclusions of the organizers
Research meets Business
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13. 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.
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