Cluster Policy in Lithuania. Clusterization of Medical Companies and Institutions
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Abstract
Clusters as a specific form of inter-organizational communication, developing a new approach to the economy and economic development, create new economic roles of business, government and non-governmental institutions, result in new communication structures in business and government, business and associated institutions. The objective of the paper is to analyze the cluster policy in Lithuania and to evaluate the effectiveness of its implementation through the medical cluster formation and development perspective.
The task of the paper was to review the cluster concept prevailing in scientific literature, analyze the Lithuanian cluster policies and implementation measures, investigate the barriers of formation of clusters, evaluate the clusterization process and realities of medical companies and institutions. The object of the research is clusters policy in Lithuania.
Conclusions. There is no uniform definition of a cluster in the scientific literature. The concept of clusters is treated differently, because there is no single cluster theory, there are only a number of different theories and reasoning, which try to base the logic of clusters. However, in most cases, the cluster is identified as a critical mass of companies and organizations that have achieved an outstanding success in certain areas of business, focused in a defined territory. The main reasons can be identified as hindering the clustering processes: 1) barriers arising due to market imperfections, 2) systemic imperfections arising from the policy and indirect effect of the authorities to the market operators, and 3) inadequate government action. Cluster policy as an independent competition policy is relatively new. Lithuania has no separate programming document for clustering issues so far. There is no unified cluster policy in Lithuania. Therefore, it can be stated that Lithuania is still in its target cluster policy formation stage.
It is proposed to develop a unified and streamlined Lithuanian cluster policy programming document. The paper highlights the importance of continuity of ongoing national and EU structural funds incentives for the development of clustering processes. It is recommended to inform businesses about the benefits and opportunities of clustering, to publicize successful Lithuanian cluster activities and results.
The task of the paper was to review the cluster concept prevailing in scientific literature, analyze the Lithuanian cluster policies and implementation measures, investigate the barriers of formation of clusters, evaluate the clusterization process and realities of medical companies and institutions. The object of the research is clusters policy in Lithuania.
Conclusions. There is no uniform definition of a cluster in the scientific literature. The concept of clusters is treated differently, because there is no single cluster theory, there are only a number of different theories and reasoning, which try to base the logic of clusters. However, in most cases, the cluster is identified as a critical mass of companies and organizations that have achieved an outstanding success in certain areas of business, focused in a defined territory. The main reasons can be identified as hindering the clustering processes: 1) barriers arising due to market imperfections, 2) systemic imperfections arising from the policy and indirect effect of the authorities to the market operators, and 3) inadequate government action. Cluster policy as an independent competition policy is relatively new. Lithuania has no separate programming document for clustering issues so far. There is no unified cluster policy in Lithuania. Therefore, it can be stated that Lithuania is still in its target cluster policy formation stage.
It is proposed to develop a unified and streamlined Lithuanian cluster policy programming document. The paper highlights the importance of continuity of ongoing national and EU structural funds incentives for the development of clustering processes. It is recommended to inform businesses about the benefits and opportunities of clustering, to publicize successful Lithuanian cluster activities and results.
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