The study analyses he cluster management excellence by critically studying the labels granted in terms of trends, numbers, sectors, countries, and regions. Based on the gathered results, the clusters initiatives (new or already existed) can benchmark themselves. Regional, national, and European policymakers will be able to estimate how specific factors of political, geographical, demographic, access to raw materials, and level of development can influence the number of clusters, their quality of management, and cluster typology.

Excellent cluster management is crucial for maximizing the benefits that can be achieved through cluster initiatives in their efforts to support industry, research, and education in the regions. In parallel, these strategic cluster activities support public authorities in their regional development efforts focusing on improvements in competitiveness.

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the impact of local and regional networks and clusters existing in creative industries on regional innovation ecosystems. Real examples of such creative environments shows that they can operate independently of the other regional sectors or can be interconnected with regional sectors. On the basis of the five presented cases, the level of linkages with other sectors was presented. Theoretical background used in the paper is grounded in network approach in strategic management

The Smart Specialisation approach has been part of EU regional innovation policy since 2010 and yet the role of skills and vocational education and training in implementing Smart Specialisation Strategies has only recently attracted attention. Despite being raised in earlier policy documents, it was the 2017 Communication on Strengthening Innovation in Europe's Regions, drawing on experience of implementing smart specialisation in practice, which illustrated its significance for regional innovation policy.

This output paper stemmed from discussions held at the European Cluster Policy Forum. It tackled the topic of EU level support actions for cluster internationalisation in order to pool resources, promote complementarities and ensure a critical mass of expertise, products and services is ensured in particular markets or value chains.

Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/news/fourth-european-cluster-policy-forum-p…

This paper explores universities' capacity to contribute to the process of regional development, by looking at the role of Universities within the RIS3CAT Communities, and the role of HEIs.