Elaborate cluster policy – new vision for the regional development

In this article, the appraisal of the European cluster initiatives' perspectives is attempted. In view of the inauspicious economic processes taking place (particularly in PIIGS countries), the new vision of the regional development is of high interest. The authors' previous research concerning so-called 'underdevelopment whirlpools' as well as optimal clusterization policies was brought in order to find out if traditional industrial clusters’ formation can lead to undesirable consequences, e.g. technological unification, a decrease in competition within an industry, efficiency loss and underdevelopment whirlpools' deepening. Such hypothesis is verified by means of clusters and regional development maps superposition. Furthermore, patterns of industrial and post-industrial (informational) clusterization were examined. The following study indicates that engagement of an innovative component seems to be part and parcel of an effective clusterization process; the contrary could be the cause of the local underdevelopment phenomena. Some authors' recommendations for regional cluster strategies' creation are cited.