CLUSTERS SUPPORTING TRANSITIONS The sudden arrival of COVID caused disruptions around the world . In Europe , Latin America and elsewhere , regions that had clustering initiatives already in place found they had mechanisms to quickly hear , and then respond , to groups of businesses .
The same clustering initiatives are also facilitating transitions around Industry 4.0 , the circular economy and digitalisation . They are equipped to respond to fresh external shocks such as supply chain disruptions . They are supporting businesses in hunting as a pack in developing export markets , in addressing talent shortages and in absorbing new technologies .
ONWARDS ! Prof . Michael Enright observed in 2013 : “ If Canada , Norway , Sweden , Denmark , Germany , Basque Country , Catalonia , Singapore are home to successful examples of cluster strategies , we really have to ask ourselves if the world turns that differently in Australia .” 5
Australia is fortunate in now having 25 years of international experience in cluster-based economic development to draw on . There have been significant improvements in the cluster development toolbox during this time . Aspects that are particularly relevant to Australian communities have been summarised in this article .
Australian activity on cluster development is gaining traction , thanks to engagement by three of the Industry Growth Centres . Food Innovation Australia ( FIAL ) is supporting eight regional clusters , including FAN , Sunshine Coast and Fermentation Tasmania . METS Ignited ( covering mining equipment , technology , and services ) is supporting Queensland Robotics and other clusters . National Energy Resources Australia ( NERA ) is co-funding 18 regional hydrogen technology clusters . As NERA states , “ Clusters can help Australia get there ”. The NERA initiatives are providing a low-cost mechanism to “ lift productivity , to accelerate innovation and to support start-ups ”.
The three Growth Centres , along with Economic Development Australia and others , have recently joined forces in supporting TCI Oceania . This is a regional chapter of the global network for cluster practitioners (
www . tcioceania . net ).
The logic for cluster development is clear . The cluster development toolbox is ready to be opened . Are you ready to make a significant difference to your region ?
Australia is fortunate in now having 25 years of international experience in cluster-based economic development to draw on . There have been significant improvements in the cluster development toolbox during this time .
REFERENCES
1 Ifor is the author of the ‘ Cluster Development Handbook ’, a standard reference .
2 ‘ Australia ’ s Competitiveness , from Lucky Country to Competitive Country ’, 2013 , Enright and Petty , CPA Australia , Wiley
5 Australia ’ s Competitiveness , from Lucky Country to Competitive Country ’, 2013 , Enright and Petty , CPA Australia , Wiley
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
IFOR FFOWCS-WILLIAMS Ifor is acknowledged as one of the most influential cluster practitioners in the world , with hands-on experience extending to over 50 countries . Ifor has been an advisor to The World Bank , EU , OECD ,
UNDP , international aid agencies and national & regional economic development agencies on six continents . Ifor is a Founder , Past President and Member of the Board of Advisors of TCI Network - the global practioners network for competitiveness , clusters and innovation ( Barcelona ). He has served on the Advisory Boards of the Danish Cluster Academy , European Cluster Observatory , Indian Institute for Competitiveness , Pan African Competitiveness Council and Sintonia , Mexico . At home base in New Zealand , Ifor has served as a Director of the Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency . Ifor is the author of the ‘ Cluster Development Handbook ’, the first comprehensive guide to the What ? the Why ? and the How ? of cluster engagement . Prior to establishing Cluster Navigators in 1997 , Ifor was with New Zealand ’ s export agency , encouraging SMEs to cooperate-to-compete through networking and clustering .
E4 @ clusternavigators . com www . clusternavigators . com www . linkedin . com / in / clusterdevelopment Twitter : @ e4clusterguy .
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL VOL 15 NO 2 2022 25