What is a Cluster?

Forming communities, utilising strengths and generating advantages for all, based on the division of labour - whenever people have teamed up in the past, they have put resources to sensible use and joined forces.

The regional concentration of innovative players is a key characteristic of clusters. The word "cluster" itself is used in a wide range of contexts. In the business world, it means the conglomeration of companies, research facilities and other organisations which are linked by a common area of activity. It is precisely this physical and content-related proximity which creates trust - a crucial requirement for the successful utilisation of existing potential. Ideas are born, refined and jointly implemented. This gives rise not only to new partnerships and the faster exchange of knowledge, but also to a competitive situation which creates a positive start-up climate.

A well-known example of a cluster is Silicon Valley in Northern California. In the 1950s, students founded companies around Stanford University. It was here that William Hewlett, David Packard and Steve Jobs launched their successful careers.