Cluster formation and the role of politics - how German enterprises assess industry clusters

Kurt A. Hafner, Bavarian State Institute for University Research and University Planning, Munich, presents the results of a study conducted for the European Commission on industry clusters and the innovation activity of German enterprises. The study shows that communication and network formation play important roles between the business, scientific and political communities. The availability of qualified workers and a good public infrastructure are also important criteria for industry clusters. In addition, politics plays a special role in the strategic orientation of the cluster and its importance beyond regional boundaries.