Determining the essence of the economic effect of clustering and development of the technique of his assessment in the interests of companies of cluster

The task of increasing the competitiveness of the business and economy is permanent for national governments and enterprises. Clustering has been recognized as an effective tool to increase competitiveness. An analysis of scientific research has revealed that there is a problem of methodological uncertainty in evaluating the effectiveness of clusters, one of the main reasons for which is the multidimensional understanding of "efficiency" in relation to cluster. Therefore, when evaluating the effectiveness, it is necessary to proceed from what type of effectiveness is being evaluated and in relation to which of the cluster members the assessment is being made. Evaluation of the effectiveness of clustering in relation to cluster members can be carried out by evaluating the economic effect. Economic efficiency - this is the eventual efficiency of the enterprise, containing the action of synergistic effects obtained in the cluster. The proposed technique for assessing the economic effect of clustering allows us to assess the competitiveness of a cluster from the standpoint of its economic environmental (external to the cluster) and structural (internal) characteristics, assess the impact of cluster effects on the activities of participating enterprises by calculating performance criteria, and also by comparing competitiveness and performance criteria, we can determine the direction of development of companies. The technique, the main advantages of which is not only the calculation of performance criteria, but also the determination of cluster competitiveness factors, integrates a qualitative and quantitative assessment, including statistical data analysis, expert estimates, coefficient analysis of financial stability, liquidity, operational efficiency and business activity. The results of applying the technique for assessing economic effectiveness for cluster companies have theoretical and practical significance, which consists, firstly, in confirming the hypothesis of increasing the competitiveness of firms operating in the cluster, and, secondly, will increase the attractiveness of cluster companies for lenders, partners, investors, which will attract additional resources, and also will allow the management of the companies of the cluster to analyze the potential and development paths.