Enhancing competitiveness with the aid of smart specialisation
Published on 14 December 2018
Czech Republic
Severozápad
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About this good practice
The Region has already established new financial tools and an Innovation Centre and the focus in the future is on S3 smart specialisation principles, especially in machining, applied chemistry and digitisation. The region will build on experience of a successful example of smart specialisation which is the ‘Informal Hop Cluster’
Hops have been grown in the region for a long time and received the first certificate for quality and origin back in the 18th Century. Žatec Hops are currently registered in the European Commission’s Protected Designation of Origin and protected geographical indications EC 503/2007. Approximately 100 companies co-operate in the growing and sale of hops in an informal “cluster“.
This example will be used to develop other specialisms in the region and the Usti Innovation Centre will drive this area of activity forward.
Hops have been grown in the region for a long time and received the first certificate for quality and origin back in the 18th Century. Žatec Hops are currently registered in the European Commission’s Protected Designation of Origin and protected geographical indications EC 503/2007. Approximately 100 companies co-operate in the growing and sale of hops in an informal “cluster“.
This example will be used to develop other specialisms in the region and the Usti Innovation Centre will drive this area of activity forward.
Resources needed
Cost related to the promotion of the regional RIS 3 programme are around €100,000 which include costs for 3 people who are responsible for the identification, promotion and support of regional value chains & clusters.
Evidence of success
The existing ‘hop cluster’ has been very successful in growing this well-established industry in the region in particular in international markets. Success is measured by direct sales of products across the world, the number of producers involved in the cluster and the capacity of the cooperative to innovate in order to maintain is market leading position.
Potential for learning or transfer
Ústí’s ‘Hop Cluster’ is a great example of how Smart Specialisation can work really well to benefit a region based on a long-term plan and a deep knowledge of a sector. Ústí will be able to adapt this successful example to other industry sectors to further develop the region in the future.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Ustecky Kraj
Czech Republic
Severozápad
Contact
RIS3 manager