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Clusters: Victorian businesses working together in a global economy

This Discussion paper is the outcome of several cluster workshops, seminars and interviews conducted by a cluster working group from the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development in Victoria, Australia. The aim was to contribute to the development of a cluster policy framework in Victoria and provides, not only a comprehensive overview of clusters and the economic situation of Victoria, but also proposals for a Cluster Facilitation Program.

Several reports on the Victorian economy show that it has a sophisticated and robust industry with strengths in R&D, education, and manufacturing. This is further fortified by a diverse cultural base, however, there is still a need for internationalizsation, innovation and cooperation between firms, universities, government and R&D centres. Victoria sees its strategic capabilities in ICT, biotechnology, design, new manufacturing technologies and environmental technologies.
The report analyzes the situation of the Victorian economy and its challenges for the future, gives a definition of clusters (and also states what is not a cluster), showing its benefits and limits and giving examples on successful clusters. It explains the ongoing cluster programs in Australia, such as the "Cairns Regional Economic Development Corporation" and draws on the potential clusters in Victoria. One section describes how these could be promoted and which criteria should be used for selecting, facilitating and funding clusters, but also which performance criteria should be set to measure the progress of a cluster. The authors also give an overview on what roles the Government can adopt in developing clusters.
If you wish to submit comments to this discussion paper, please email to Piero Ammirato: piero.ammirato @ iird.vic.gov.au .

To download the whole Discussion paper, click here .