Cluster Accreditation 2.5 – How to keep renewing a certification system

The previous iteration of the Hungarian Cluster Accreditation System (AS) is already included as a GP in the PLP database. This current GP aims to showcase the consistent shift from a performance-based if-then gate towards a strategic monitoring and cooperation framework between the policy level and the clusters. With the maturation of the cluster scene, the key objective of cluster development and support is turning towards a dual focus of European competitiveness and a network-based partnership. The former goal forces a high threshold to be applied to select the Spearheads (see the GP from Flanders), while the latter requires a wider, and more general competence and service development paired with constant interaction among the actors. In order to realise this, the AS is undergoing further changes: (1) a continuous point-scale instead of just thresholds; (2) emphasis on qualitative and strategic dimensions; (3) lower participation costs and continuous update options; (4) tiered support options – possible priority cooperations with the spearheads and general development/efficiency-oriented calls for regional actors. This is expected to result in longer-term and more sustainable benefits for CMOs and cluster members alike, while enabling the Ministry to use the clusters as interfaces for low-risk, high-gain targeted sectoral and innovation development.