It has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union (2008/C 257/12) the Committee of the Regions (CdR) oppingon related to Clusters and cluster policy.

Calls for proposals  and calls for tenders from the European Commission to draw up a framework programme to facilitate cooperation and networking between all the administrations involved, and to draft guidelines for setting up and interlinking clusters. Cooperation between clusters is a promising way to strengthen Europe's innovative capacity and attract global attention from investors and innovators, which is why cross-border cooperation between cluster organisations should not be restricted to Europe alone, but should be global, with a view to achieving an end goal of ‘world level clusters

In this context there should be a general strategic framework bringing together the approaches of the various stakeholders: public administrations, universities, research centres and businesses, so as to implement the three abovementioned processes in a coordinated manner:

• To make it possible to create the necessary conditions for encouraging the setting up and development of clusters.
• To encourage the implementation of initiatives proposed by clusters.
• To interlink clusters both nationally and across borders, in order to cooperate and exchange experiences.

Phases in the clustering process

INCUBATION PHASE

• Creation of environmental conditions needed for development.
• Provision of financial aid to make it easier to interconnect small and large enterprises in the same area and harness potential synergies.
• Involvement of ‘driver’ enterprises.
• Relations with research centres in the sector.

START-UP PHASE

• Development of relationships of trust.
• Interlinking of businesses from different clusters so as to create cross-border meta-clusters.
• Creation of own organisational structure and brand image.
• Development of strategic cooperation agenda.

GROWTH PHASE

• Creation and development of own projects.
• Incorporation of clusters in European technology platforms.
• Alliances between clusters, interregional cooperation platform.
• Dissemination of results of cooperation between clusters, ensuring that the project results reach other regions.
• New products as a result of joint initiatives.

MATURITY PHASE

• Own patents and innovations.
• Appearance of commercial sub-clusters.
• Strategic partnerships for economic development.
• Attraction of new investment to the region.