Clusters and their impact on firm performance

The book focuses on the very topical issue of the formation and development of clusters and their impact on the performance of entities involved in cluster activities. A number of clusters have been established in the Czech Republic in the past period; these activities are beginning to develop and for many of the actors involved in them, the book will add insight into the possibilities and potential of clusters. Its elaboration is based mainly on the theoretical basis of the description of clusters, cluster initiatives and cluster policy, as well as on the practical experience of clusters abroad and in the Czech Republic, obtained through the cooperation of the author's team with a number of cluster managers and representatives of regions and through research in selected countries in Europe, the USA and Asia. In addition to theoretical knowledge, the publication contains a number of practical recommendations for searching for firms to join clusters, establishing a cluster and developing existing clusters. It demonstrates to company managers the opportunities that joining the cluster offers for their development and increased performance. It contains the results of field investigations, "good practices" (
best practices) as well as barriers that limit the emergence and development of clusters. The book is intended for interested managers of companies, professional managers of clusters, academics or representatives of state administration and regional institutions that directly or indirectly support the development of clusters.