CLUSTERS AS A WAY TO INCREASE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE CROATIAN ECONOMY

Globalizacija i brojni procesi koji se događaju na tržištu te konkurentnost, samo su neki od razloga koji bude želju i potrebu poduzeća i zemalja za razvojem i napredovanjem. Jedan od oblika povezanosti odnosno umrežavanja koji ima pozitivan utjecaj na konkurentnost je zasigurno klaster. Uz brojne prednosti i nedostatke, klasterizacija je pojam koji se istražuje i prati, te se primjenjuje u brojnim zemljama diljem Europe, ali i svijeta. To pruža mogućnost usporedbe i učenja na tuđim primjerima. I Hrvatska je prepoznala važnost klastera u razvoju i napretku regija i cjelokupne države. S obzirom na njezin veliki potencijal, Republika Hrvatska mora iskoristiti klasterizaciju za postizanje značajnije konkurentnosti, ali i inovativnosti te produktivnosti. Neki od poduzetih koraka prema tome su osnivanje klastera konkurentnosti, zajednice klastera, donošenje Strategije za razvoj klastera u Republici Hrvatskoj, itd. Daljnjim napornima za razvoj klastera Hrvatska će postići pozitivne i produktivne učinke.Globalization and the numerous processes that take place in the market, as well as the competitiveness, are just some of the reasons that arouse the desire and need of companies and countries for development and progress. One of the forms of connectivity or networking that has positive impact on competitiveness is certainly the cluster. With many advantages and disadvantages, clustering is a term that is researched and monitored, and applied in many countries throughout Europe and the world. This provides an opportunity to compare and learn from others examples. Croatia has also recognized the importance of clusters in the development and progress of the regions and the country as a whole. Given its great potential, the Republic of Croatia must use clustering to achieve significant competitiveness, but also innovation and productivity. Some of the steps taken towards this are the establishment of a competitiveness cluster, the Cluster Community, the compilation of the Strategy of cluster development in the Republic of Croatia, etc. With further efforts to develop the clusters, Croatia will achieve positive and productive effects