Nov
03
2009
French approach to cluster based innovation policy seems to pay off
In 2004, the French government announced shift towards a “functional approach” in their national innovation policy. This was anchored in an initiative (Pôles de Compétitivité initiative) to develop a number of Cluster Initiatives around the country.
As a part of this process, a consortium of French governmental organizations committed to fund the development of 66 clusters with 1.5 billion Euros over 3 years.
The clusters selected to receive funding was selected based on 105 proposal submitted by regional economic and industrial development organizations.
The selection was based on the following criteria:
- The clusters must be anchored into a regional dynamic economy, able to compete internationally. The fit with local industry and strengths was perhaps the most critical criteria.
- The clusters must be built around leading and world-class technology, being able to provide credibility and take a leadership role in its sector worldwide.
- The cluster must incorporate R&D partnership among academia, R&D centers, industry etc.
- The cluster must demonstrate a governance policy / model.
- The overall goal of the cluster is to help bring R&D and innovation to market, and further grow the knowledge based economy in France – improving the country’s competitiveness and create jobs.
Since the initial launch in ’04/’05, an additional 5 clusters have been launched.
Following the Cluster Initiative model, each cluster has a governance model, membership structure, central management and marketing activities.
Since the inception, more than 2,000 R&D projects have been launched within the clusters, and more than 5 billion euros have been committed (half funded by the French government).
In all, there are 10,000 researchers working on these projects with 5,000 businesses, including SMEs. The French government has committed to maintain the funding until 2011, with 1.5 billion euros over three years.
Local and regional authorities are funding projects launched by their respective clusters.
As of today, 500 foreign businesses are involved in the clusters and their projects.
Backed by a significant public funding, it seems that the French government continue to believe in the Cluster Initiatives as a central pillar in the country’s innovation and economic development policy.
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Oct
28
2009
Milwaukee receives federal funding to develop water technology cluster
In September of this year, the city of Milwaukee was awarded a federal grant to explore the opportunity to develop a water technology cluster. The grant was awarded to The Milwaukee Water Council, who will match the funds in order to study will develop research and development plan for the water cluster. The study will look at the regulatory as well as technology landscape for water technology.
Previously Michigan Economic Development Corporation launched an effort to develop a water technology cluster. The US water technology market is valued at US$ 14 billion and MEDC is looking to capture a significant share of this market.
The overarching objective of the initiative is to fuel innovation and corporate growth by linking public and private R&D, manufacturing and capital investments in the areas of water technologies for industrial and municipal use.
No Comments • Categories: Uncategorized
Oct
20
2009
Additional funding secured for solar energy cluster in New York state
Congressman Maurice Hinchey has announced that an additional US$ 2.25 million has been secured in federal funding to further develop a solar energy cluster in New York’s Hudson Valley. The effort is organized by The Solar Energy Consortium, and has with the help of Congressman Hinchey secured more than US$ 20.0 million in federal funding.
No Comments • Categories: Uncategorized
Oct
15
2009
Solar energy cluster opportunity for Mid-Michigan
Harry Leaver, executive director of the Center for Economic & Business Development at Saginaw Valley State University outlines the strengths of the Mid-Michigan region in order to build case for a possible development of a solar energy cluster.
No Comments • Categories: Uncategorized
03 2009
French approach to cluster based innovation policy seems to pay off
In 2004, the French government announced shift towards a “functional approach” in their national innovation policy. This was anchored in an initiative (Pôles de Compétitivité initiative) to develop a number of Cluster Initiatives around the country.
As a part of this process, a consortium of French governmental organizations committed to fund the development of 66 clusters with 1.5 billion Euros over 3 years.
The clusters selected to receive funding was selected based on 105 proposal submitted by regional economic and industrial development organizations.
The selection was based on the following criteria:
- The clusters must be anchored into a regional dynamic economy, able to compete internationally. The fit with local industry and strengths was perhaps the most critical criteria.
- The clusters must be built around leading and world-class technology, being able to provide credibility and take a leadership role in its sector worldwide.
- The cluster must incorporate R&D partnership among academia, R&D centers, industry etc.
- The cluster must demonstrate a governance policy / model.
- The overall goal of the cluster is to help bring R&D and innovation to market, and further grow the knowledge based economy in France – improving the country’s competitiveness and create jobs.
Since the initial launch in ’04/’05, an additional 5 clusters have been launched.
Following the Cluster Initiative model, each cluster has a governance model, membership structure, central management and marketing activities.
Since the inception, more than 2,000 R&D projects have been launched within the clusters, and more than 5 billion euros have been committed (half funded by the French government).
In all, there are 10,000 researchers working on these projects with 5,000 businesses, including SMEs. The French government has committed to maintain the funding until 2011, with 1.5 billion euros over three years.
Local and regional authorities are funding projects launched by their respective clusters.
As of today, 500 foreign businesses are involved in the clusters and their projects.
Backed by a significant public funding, it seems that the French government continue to believe in the Cluster Initiatives as a central pillar in the country’s innovation and economic development policy.
28 2009
Milwaukee receives federal funding to develop water technology cluster
In September of this year, the city of Milwaukee was awarded a federal grant to explore the opportunity to develop a water technology cluster. The grant was awarded to The Milwaukee Water Council, who will match the funds in order to study will develop research and development plan for the water cluster. The study will look at the regulatory as well as technology landscape for water technology.
Previously Michigan Economic Development Corporation launched an effort to develop a water technology cluster. The US water technology market is valued at US$ 14 billion and MEDC is looking to capture a significant share of this market.
The overarching objective of the initiative is to fuel innovation and corporate growth by linking public and private R&D, manufacturing and capital investments in the areas of water technologies for industrial and municipal use.
20 2009
Additional funding secured for solar energy cluster in New York state
Congressman Maurice Hinchey has announced that an additional US$ 2.25 million has been secured in federal funding to further develop a solar energy cluster in New York’s Hudson Valley. The effort is organized by The Solar Energy Consortium, and has with the help of Congressman Hinchey secured more than US$ 20.0 million in federal funding.
15 2009
Solar energy cluster opportunity for Mid-Michigan
Harry Leaver, executive director of the Center for Economic & Business Development at Saginaw Valley State University outlines the strengths of the Mid-Michigan region in order to build case for a possible development of a solar energy cluster.
