Our Scandinavian correspondent, Bjarne Jensen, is keeping us updated on developments in Denmark.
Analysing regional clusters is a delicate business, which requires a balance of qualitative and quantitative methods and data. Analysing potential future clusters is even more challenging.
However this has been accomplished according to a recent report by the Greater Copenhagen Development Council. The report notes that a very clear understanding around the Danish capital region of the importance of clusters in tourism, life sciences and IT. What is becoming ever clearer is that these ‘mega-clusters’ are too broad.
For example, parts of the IT industry will probably decline, while other IT sectors may grow rapidly. For policymakers to be able to develop appropriate support regarding regional competitiveness, they must understand which clusters are most likely to drive future growth.
The key question answered in the report was ‘What clusters are likely to be competitive and generate jobs 10-15 years from now?’ The report identifies potential clusters and analyses performance and growth potential for 18 potential clusters in the region – seven were then benchmarked by comparing them with 21world-leading clusters in England, France, Germany, the United States, Canada and Australia.
The analysis clearly shows that, especially in technology-intensive areas such as nanotechnology, optics and bioinformatics, the region has great potential and possesses strong emerging clusters. The level of research and skilled, specialised labour is particularly strong.
The report also notes that access to capital is weak.
Based on these conclusions, discussions are currently taking place to establish support for policies to further develop these emerging clusters.
Source: bej@oxfordresearch.dk
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