Various types and forms of aid to increase the competitiveness of clusters, this was the topic of a meeting of the Slovak team working within the ClusterFY international project.
ClusterFY International Project is implemented through the Interreg Europe Interregional Cooperation Program, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the SIEA. The aim of the project is to promote the mutual cooperation of clusters and their integration into international value chains
The Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic is preparing the state aid support for clusters (10 000-50 000 EUR) - for educational activities, participation in international exhibitions and fairs, as well as preparation of studies focusing on cluster monitoring or technological maps.
Participating in study visits across excellent clusters of the European Union, the possibility of establishing new industry contacts and networking activities offers ClusterFY.
Reimbursement of fees for services associated with international certification (ESCA) of clusters is supported by the National Project “Increasing the Innovative Potential of the Slovak Economy”. This year's planned certification of 6 Slovak clusters.
The meeting, which took place on 27 March 2018 in Bratislava, also discussed further possibilities for cooperation between Slovak and Czech clusters. The event was attended by the President of the National Cluster Association from the Czech Republic Pavla Břusková, the President of the Slovak Cluster Union Daniel Ács, Cluster Directors as well as representatives of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic and the SIEA. The Czech side offered the possibility of cooperation with Slovak clusters within the framework of the activities planned during Cluster's regional days in the Czech Republic.
The next scheduled meeting will take place in October this year. Its key theme will be the creative industry, the creation of creative clusters and their development with the participation of experts from the Czech Republic and local government. At the same time, clusters will be awarded with certificates of excellence issued by the European Cluster Analysis Secretariat.
