Clusters review

The Scottish Enterprise (SE) Network pioneered the ‘cluster’ method of supporting industries in Scotland. This evaluation reviews SE’s first full year of operation (2000-01) for three clusters: Food and Drink; Biotechnology; and Semiconductors/Micro-electronics. The objectives of the evaluation were: to review progress in the implementation of the clusters approach; to assess the benefits delivered so far; and to draw lessons from the clusters approach.

EKOS Consulting were commissioned to review the success of the clusters, interviews were carried out with SE clients, SE staff and other affiliated staff, and feedback gained from academics after conference discussions.

SE was found to have made progress in applying the clusters method in the context of economic development. Progress was found in key areas, including working in partnership with national industry organisations and giving the clusters a national focus. The Food and Drink and Biotechnology clusters received the most positive feedback from customers, while the Semiconductors/Microelectronics cluster feedback was more mixed.

The evaluation recommended that future progress be accelerated, that the clusters must bring in more industry players, that focus should be on innovation and achieving ‘critical mass’, that the goodwill of customers depends on continuing success, that the clusters approach should be aligned with other emerging SE strategies, and that each cluster should be evaluated on its own merits.