Identification Model of Potentials for Regional Cluster Development

Cluster development has been defined as a goal in the strategic documents of the Republic of Croatia. In order to activate its development, numerous short-term, medium-term and long-term measures should be introduced both at the national and at the regional levels. In the first place, it is necessary to make an analysis of potential areas for cluster development and to identify and establish priority of sectors and locations for cluster development. This paper deals with the analysis of building up of methodology and identification model of potentials for a cluster development and for a clustering model development by using the well-known theoretical and practical experience of developed countries where clusters have become a basic stronghold for contemporary industrial and overall economic development. Moreover, it offers a simplified model for identification of key competent authorities in the regional economy based on selected criteria (revenue structure, employment structure, revenue growth index, cluster index etc.) On the basis of the defined competent authorities we can identify potential cluster development. The identification model described in this paper deals with the principles and other supporting measures needed for cluster development.