The rush for cluster initiatives: Cluster organisation and management in Central Europe

Many countries, especially those with transitioning economies, have enthusiastically entered the race to create new clusters in both high- and mid-tech sectors. In the rush to launch cluster initiatives, cluster organisations have been established as independent entities and within already established bodies. Cluster organisations seek sustainable business models and revenue streams, even as the activities of cluster managers are evolving. This paper aims to investigate the characteristics of cluster organisation and the role of the cluster manager in supporting the cluster within the top-down (deliberate) and bottom-up (emergent) approaches to cluster development. This empirical analysis provides insights on approximately 100 cluster organisations in Central Europe and Italy and discusses the role of cluster managers in cluster development and growth. Implications for cluster organisations and policy-makers are proposed.