Days of Clusters in Moravian-Silesian Region

National Cluster Association in cooperation with Moravian-Silesian Innovation Centre Ostrava (MSIC), Regional Chamber of Commerce organised „Days of Clusters“ on the 9. May in Ostrava.

Days of Clusters are organised to introduce activities and success of Czech Cluster organisations to companies, schools, universities and political and municipal stakeholders. These events help emphasize the importance and effectiveness of cluster policies and cluster support in individual regions

The event took place under the auspices of Moravia-Silesian Governor Ivo Vondrák and the Mayor of Ostrava Tomáš Macura. According to Ivo Vondrák, the cooperation between companies and their clustering has a long-rooted history in Moravian –Silesian region. The interconnected companies work not only on competitive base but also inspire and support one another. Therefore, this grouping contributes to economic development of the region. It is important to demonstrate clusters to broader audience as one of the ways how to improve results of the companies and empower innovation in individual fields.

The meeting was introduced by deputy governor Jan Krkoška, director of Moravian-Silesian Innovation Centre Pavel Csanek and Pavla Břusková, president of National Cluster Association.

“Together, the companies can achieve much more in their specific fields and much faster than each on its own. The companies gathered in clusters can determine joint strategic goals and its fulfilment is coordinated by experienced cluster management team” explained Pavla Břusková. In addition, she also reminded how important it is to cooperate regionally in order to achieve success on larger global scale. .

These fifth Days of clusters with its alternated concept allowed all participants to actively engage in moderated discussion with representatives of cluster organisations, such as Moravian-Silesian Automotive Cluster, Nanoprogress – holder of Golden Label of European Excellence, CREA Hydro&Energy and Industry Cluster 4.0.

The morning part was concluded by Golden Cluster award. Pavla Břusková together with the deputy mayor Jan Krkoška passed the prize on the Moravian-Silesian Automotive Cluster and its director Ladislav Glogar.

“Our cluster foundation was instigated by the needs for company cooperation in the area of developing automotive industry. Our mission is to support conditions and needs of the companies and institutions that contribute to competiveness, sustainable development and export possibilities of the region.” said Ladislav Glogar.

In the afternoon Mr. Pavel Csanek introduced Moravian Silesian Innovation Centre. He explained that the innovations are the key to better future not only of Ostrava region, in spite of the fact that Ostrava is still more in the position of receiver then creator of new technologies and innovation.

The core part of the program was afternoon panel discussion of important cluster member companies, in particular EPS biotechnology ltd., Hametal ltd., Ing. Petr Gross ltd. And Varroc Lighting System ltd. The company representatives discussed the issue of „Cooperation for innovation in practice“

During the day visitors could also see the exposition of results and success of cluster organisations. There were many clusters presenting their work: Safety and Security Technology Cluster , CREA Hydro&Energy,  Industry Cluster 4.0, IT Cluster, HK Metal Cluster, National Energy Cluster, Moravian Aviation Cluster, Moravian-Silesian Automotive Cluster, Nanoprogress, Cluster of Czech Flurniture Manufacturers, National Machinery Cluster, Network Security Monitoring Cluster. In addition, there was also a presentation standpoint of the consulting company Avogado. (odkazy)

Sources: Moravian Silesian Region , available here ZDE  (in the Czech language)

Days of Clusters Guide, HERE (in the Czech language)

Programme (in the Czech Language)