A new report entitled 'Clustering for Growth: How to build dynamic innovation clusters in Europe' puts forward a number of suggestions and recommendations for policymakers. Alongside the European Commission’s Cluster Policy, this report aims to set out coherent areas for action by governments to make clusters more effective. The publication features a series of profiles of leading clusters with responses to the question ‘what makes for a successful cluster?’ This report also synthesises the views of the experts at meetings held in Brussels, and sets out the Science|Business Charter of policy measures.

One particular proposal is being discussed in more detail - the setting up of two or three privileged areas referred to as ‘Special Innovation Zones for Europe’ (SIZE) - that, whilst situated in one place, are in effect supranational. The SIZE would be deregulated areas that provide the best that Europe has to offer in terms of environment, infrastructure and lifestyle, to attract the best people and the best companies from all over the continent and beyond.

You can read more stories like this one in the March Edition of European RTD Insight.