Main Messages
- There is a lack of world-class clusters in Europe, even though many regions have the ambition to become number one in this field. - Reinhardt Büscher
- There is more need for transnational cooperation among different clusters in Europe. - Reinhardt Büscher
- We need to create world-class universities together in the BRS. – Per Unckel
Themes
Innonet
Special Adviser for Vinnova, Jens-Erik Lund, talked about the BSR Innonet project, which aims at establishing a shared conceptual framework for cluster policy formation, evaluation and operational activities across national borders in the BSR. The main purpose of the initiative is to create more transnational innovation programme(s) among the partner countries in the BSR.
Head of Unit in EU’s DG Enterprise and Industry, Innovation Policy Department, Reinhardt Büscher, stated that there is a lack of world-class clusters in Europe, even though many regions have the ambition to become number one in this field. Mr. Büscher underlined that there is a need for transnational cooperation among the different clusters, as smaller regions do not have the sufficient capacity to build world-class clusters alone. Cooperation across borders remains difficult and public authorities must take this into account. He emphasised that cluster identity building should also be part of cluster policies, especially in sectors that are not always in the centre of attention.
Clusters in BSR
Secretary General of Nordic Council of Ministers, Per Unckel, pointed out that it is important to realise the strength of learning within a common cultural framework in the BSR. “Only the best is good enough”, he said, when referring to the education system of the BSR. Mr. Unckel righteously underlined that in a cluster based on high technology, there has to be a world-class university. Furthermore, he urged policy makers to tear down boundaries between research and innovation as these two should go hand in hand.
Unckel finally stressed that creating critical mass is most vital in the Region and therefore a decisive cluster policy in all BSR countries need to be in place. In an area of small countries it is evident that a useful cluster will cover more than one country. Therefore, BSR members need to realise that there is a need for cluster policy and cooperation on combining those.
Challenges in the field of Innovation
Deputy Director General at Vinnova, Lena Gustafsson, listed a number of challenges that need to be overcome if the BSR wants to achieve the highest quality of innovation. Gustafsson stressed that leading-edge science is needed as an input in innovation processes. She underlined that freedom and creativity are vital factors in this area, and setting up processes that allow freedom for creativity is therefore essential. She also pointed out that the implications of globalisation pose many challenges. Going from national processes to global processes is not easy. Furthermore, Gustafsson stated that industries and universities need to work closely together, especially with SMEs. She argued that there should be a better balance between science and technology as well as environmental and energy sustainability. At last, she pointed out that there is a lack of methods for evaluating the impact of innovation policies.
Director of Innovation Norway, Svein Berg, stressed that “Regions don’t cooperate, countries’ don’t cooperate – people do!” Innovation Norway was the result of the merger of many institutions three years ago. Norway is special in the field of innovation with a very high number of SMEs. Innovation Norway tries to give local ideas global opportunities, and global ideas local opportunities. Their business model builds on facilitation of the internationalisation of local companies. They try to create clusters in Norway based on regional innovation system approach, Berg told.
Director General of Latvian Investment and Development Agency, Andris Ozols, was pleased that Latvia was invited to the BSR Innonet project. He emphasised that for Latvia BSR is a value, based on historical, economic and cultural cooperation, which strengthens the competitiveness of the region in the global market. Capacity should be used to work on new tools to promote our competitiveness in the global market, he said. Ozols’ expectation of the BSR Innonet project is a new methodology on how to make successful cross-border cooperation, especially when it comes to common work between private companies in one country and scientific institutions in another country. He pointed out that there is an underestimated potential of Latvia’s research institutes. The challenge is to find out how existing clusters in Latvia could become organic parts of BSR clusters, Ozols said. He described that the Innonet project is a win-win situation.
Büscher pointed out that there is much more scope for cooperation in the cluster field than what one may expect. However, cluster initiatives need political recognition, he said. According to Per Unckel the most important goal of cluster policies is to create the right conditions for clusters to occur in the BSR. Ozols disagreed that clusters will “just happen”, and he promoted the importance of exchanging experiences and strengthening national innovation systems that facilitate the creating of clusters. Gustafson pointed out that we should look for inspiration in extra-regional areas as well, such as the Indian Bangalore cluster, which has managed to become extremely attractive. Both Unckel and Gustafsson stressed the need for more entrepreneurs.
