Strategic guidance in 'leading-edge' clusters for sustainable business success in future markets

摘要

Sustainable business success in a complex and rapidly changing environment strongly relies on systemic and integrative approaches, key to strategically aligned future-oriented research, technology development and innovation (RTDI) activities at multiple levels, from business to networks or clusters to political governance level. We present an integrated, forward-looking and outward-looking approach using a combination of strategic policy intelligence and management tools, which aims at effectively addressing today's complex challenges arising at the various levels. Our case study, the German 'leading-edge' cluster MicroTEC Suedwest - an industry-driven, public-private RTDI network with about 350 actors - shows, how politically formulated grand societal challenges can be turned in future market opportunities and business models, and, vice versa, how networks of innovation actors can influence the larger innovation ecosystems towards supporting the development of sustainable economies and societies. Addressing the full 'knowledge triangle' of research, innovation and education is important in this regard.