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How do Clusters Foster Sustainable Development? An Analysis of EU Policies

Author

Listed:
  • Niki Derlukiewicz

    (Department of Macroeconomics, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, 53-345 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Anna Mempel-Śnieżyk

    (Department of Spatial Economy and Local Government Administration, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, 53-345 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Dominika Mankowska

    (Institute of Economics Sciences, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Science, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Arkadiusz Dyjakon

    (Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Stanisław Minta

    (Institute of Economics Sciences, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Science, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Tomasz Pilawka

    (Institute of Economics Sciences, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Science, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland)

Abstract

Sustainable development is one of the fundamental and most important objectives of the worldwide policy. The conducted research shows that sustainable development (SD) is increasingly important in the consciousness of the EU countries, which can be viewed through a prism of the undertaken projects. This paper raises the issue of clusters and their significance in the development of a sustainable economy. The article explores trends in the European Union policy related to sustainable development and clusters. The purpose of this study is to find an answer to the following questions: How can clusters contribute to sustainable development and what are the key factors that ensure this process? To achieve the goal of the article a systematic study of the literature and reports was carried out. Moreover, the analysis of the activity of European clusters in the context of sustainable development was performed. Next, the examples of cluster projects focused on sustainable development were presented. It was shown that the clusters contribute a smarter and sustainable development by succeeding in technological and scientific results, developing new technologies for emerging industries, creating new business activities, enticing major technology companies, and connecting local firms into world-class value systems. Furthermore, the clusters participate actively in sustainable development as they promote knowledge creation, joint learning, technology transfer, as well as collaboration, and sustainable innovations. Finally, clusters facilitate the sustainable upgrading of small and medium enterprises and encourage the participation of stakeholders in the process of sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Niki Derlukiewicz & Anna Mempel-Śnieżyk & Dominika Mankowska & Arkadiusz Dyjakon & Stanisław Minta & Tomasz Pilawka, 2020. "How do Clusters Foster Sustainable Development? An Analysis of EU Policies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:4:p:1297-:d:319048
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    9. Michelle Scobie, 2022. "Sustainable Development Goals and Sustainability Governance: Norms, Implementation Pathways and Caribbean Small Island Developing States," Global Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 13(2), pages 219-234, May.
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    11. L. V. Dorofeeva & N. A. Roslyakova, 2022. "Transformations of the Socio-Economic Space of Regions: International Experience and Main Trends," Administrative Consulting, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration. North-West Institute of Management., issue 2.
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