As part of the Clusters4Regions initiative under the UCORD project, the Ukrainian Cluster Alliance (UCA) conducted a survey among six regional development agencies (RDAs) regarding their role, capacity and needs in the field of cluster development. The results highlight both the existing potential and the systemic challenges that require attention.

Level of knowledge and competencies

Most RDAs rate their knowledge of clusters and their role in regional development as basic or sufficient. At the same time, there is a significant knowledge gap in areas such as:

• practical tools for supporting clusters
• international experience of cluster policy;
• mechanisms for integrating clusters into smart specialisation.

This points to a need for more applied training and exchange of experience – both internationally and inter-regionally within Ukraine.

Current role of RDA

Regarding their current role, RDAs are already participating in cluster initiatives, but their involvement is largely piecemeal. In most cases, they perform specific functions – communication or organisational – or are involved in implementing decisions that have already been made. In some of the six regions, the agencies remain virtually uninvolved in cluster policy.

Institutional capacity and constraints

The key limiting factor is limited institutional capacity. Only one in six of the agencies surveyed considers itself fully prepared for the systematic implementation of a regional cluster support programme, whilst the others are at various stages of partial readiness. This is not just a question of finances, but primarily of organisational resources: the lack of dedicated teams or responsible specialists effectively makes systematic work impossible.

In most RDAs, activities related to cluster support are carried out ‘in addition’ to core duties or are not carried out at all.

Despite these constraints, the RDAs are showing a willingness to gradually expand their role, particularly in areas that do not require significant additional resources. This primarily concerns communication between stakeholders, the organisation of events, and fostering collaboration between clusters. It is these roles that they regard as realistic in the short term.

Key barriers

Among the key barriers hindering the launch of fully-fledged regional cluster support programmes, the RDA cites a shortage of human resources, limited funding at the regional level, and a lack of clearly defined priorities for cluster development on the part of regional military administrations. This indicates that the issue of cluster policy requires greater institutional clarity at the regional level.

Priorities for the next six months

At the same time, the responses to questions regarding priorities for the next six months demonstrate a fairly pragmatic approach. The RDAs are focused on achieving concrete results:

• Securing funding for the support programme, including the budget for an RDA specialist
• Ensuring that the support programme delivers concrete results for 2–3 selected clusters (Clusters4Regions)
• Bringing 5–7 support tools to a working state (for regular use)
• Launching the Cluster Council – as a tool for consolidating and engaging all clusters and initiatives
• Training in-house specialists – enhancing their capacity to provide support

In the near future, the RDA sees its role realistically – in areas where it already has a certain capacity:

• Co-organiser – co-coordinator (together with the UCA) of major events
• Communicator – responsible for engaging clusters
• Organiser and head of the project office (to which clusters are also involved)

Cluster support tools

The tools that generate the most interest are those that enable a shift from isolated activities to a more systematic approach: an active cluster council, voucher schemes, mentoring support from the UCA, regular events, as well as the establishment of a project office for cluster initiatives and a calendar of cluster events.

Vision of the future role of RDAs in cluster development

In the long term, RDAs see their role primarily as a communication platform and project office – that is, as a facilitator and organiser of processes, rather than as the main driver of cluster policy. Only two RDAs are considering the possibility of playing a full-fledged coordinating role at the regional level.

The survey confirms that RDAs could become key players in the development of clusters in Ukraine. However, to achieve this, their institutional capacity must be strengthened and access to practical cluster support tools must be ensured.

Author: Yulia Ryzhkova, expert with the Clusters4Regions project