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Cluster Policy in Latvia
Published on 23 November 2018
Latvia
Latvija
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
"Cluster program" is financed by European Union ERDF fund, total budget of the program is 6,2 mil.EUR. It is planned to split the budget for 14 projects, redirecting aprox.415 000 thousand euro to each project.
The aim of the program is to encourage businesses and research, education and knowledge transfer organizations and other institutions for cooperation at local and international levels, thus contributing to the competitiveness of economic operators, by increasing export volumes and the share of high value added products and services in export, as well as innovation and new product development.
Main cluster activities supported by program are promotion of export and innovation, creation of new products, cluster internationalization, integration of RIS3, cluster excellency, etc.
Cluster program takes form as an open call during which associations or other legal entities submit their cluster project proposals.
Right now the call is closed and the Ministry of Economics in cooperation with Central Finance and Contracting Agency has evaluated 17 projects of which 14 projects has been approved.
Currently there are 2 tourism related clusters under this program:
1. Sectoral tourism cluster ENTER Gauja,
2. Health tourism cluster.
Main stakeholders and beneficiaries are mainly the stakeholders themselves – tourism enterprises and institutions – as well as tourists and the destinations in general.
The aim of the program is to encourage businesses and research, education and knowledge transfer organizations and other institutions for cooperation at local and international levels, thus contributing to the competitiveness of economic operators, by increasing export volumes and the share of high value added products and services in export, as well as innovation and new product development.
Main cluster activities supported by program are promotion of export and innovation, creation of new products, cluster internationalization, integration of RIS3, cluster excellency, etc.
Cluster program takes form as an open call during which associations or other legal entities submit their cluster project proposals.
Right now the call is closed and the Ministry of Economics in cooperation with Central Finance and Contracting Agency has evaluated 17 projects of which 14 projects has been approved.
Currently there are 2 tourism related clusters under this program:
1. Sectoral tourism cluster ENTER Gauja,
2. Health tourism cluster.
Main stakeholders and beneficiaries are mainly the stakeholders themselves – tourism enterprises and institutions – as well as tourists and the destinations in general.
Resources needed
"Cluster program" is financed by European Union ERDF fund, total budget of the program is 6,2 mil.EUR. It is planned to split the budget for 14 projects, redirecting aprox.415 000 thousands of euro to each project.
Evidence of success
Various joint marketing activities carried out, materials produced and markets expanded by the members of the clusters. For tourism related clusters there are indications of growing numbers of tourists because of the increased accessibility of the members of the clusters. The net turnover has increased by 30% and the export growth – by 45%.
Potential for learning or transfer
A program that financially supports clustering and creates networks can be implemented on a national, regional level or even cross-sectoral level. The “Cluster program” gives tourism SMEs the opportunity to be noticed on the tourism map. By clustering it is also cheaper for them to perform various marketing activities, create materials and attract more tourists. It is also easier for the cluster to participate in various projects, because the cluster represents all the SMEs involved. In destinations with high contrast between city and regions, this approach is a good way to foster regional development and increase tourism activities in less known areas.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Ministry of Economics
Latvia
Latvija
Contact
Environmental Engineer