Country Report: Czech Republic

Country Report: Czech Republic Introduction This report has been written as a part of the Europe INNOVA Cluster Mapping Project. One part of the proj...
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Country Report: Czech Republic

Introduction This report has been written as a part of the Europe INNOVA Cluster Mapping Project. One part of the project is a mapping of cluster policies, cluster institutions and cluster programmes in European Countries. For each country, a separate report has been written. Oxford Research AS in Norway has been responsible for the mapping of cluster policies. Oxford Research has developed the structure of the mapping and prepared the final reports. Most of the work has however been done by research institutes or consultancies in the different countries. These organisations are members of “The European Network for Social and Economic Research – ENSR” or partners in the Europe INNOVA Cluster Mapping Project. Based on the national reports, the main findings have been summarised by Oxford Research in a separate report. The Europe INNOVA Cluster Mapping Project has been financed by the European Commission. The views expressed in this report, as well as the information included in it, do however not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of the European Commission and in no way commits the institution. Kristiansand, Norway, December 2007.

Harald Furre Managing director Oxford Research AS

Please find more information about the Cluster Mapping Project and the Authors of this report on: www.clusterobservatory.eu www.oxfordresearch.eu www.ensr-net.com Forfatter: HF Sist lagret: 17.01.2008 10:42:00 Sist utskrevet: 18.01.2008 14:36:00 O:\Aktive prosjekter\54 EU cluster mapping\Country reports\Country reports copy EU 10\Czech Republic.doc Versjon: Antall sider: 12

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Report written by: Juraj Poledna, PERITUS, s.r.o. Telephone: +421 905 240 116, Email: [email protected] Main ministries responsible for implementing cluster policy

Finance/ Economy

Science/ Research

Key agencies responsible for implementing cluster policy

CzechInvest Is cluster policy their only task?

Yes

Are there any national cluster programmes? Are there any regional cluster programmes?

Yes

x

Source of financing National ministries EU structural fund Regional budget Business Other

National programmes x x

Yes

Trade/ Industry x

No No

No

x

Number of programmes

2

x

Low National level Regional level Yes Increased importance

Medium

High x x

x No Reduced importance

Since when has cluster policy been used?

1990-95

Cluster development related to a particular person/organization?

Yes Individual Political party Research inst. Cluster Support Programme

Successful cluster programmes

Other

Regional programmes

Importance of cluster policy

Policy papers on national level Cluster policy over time

Interior

1995-2000

Shifted

2000-05 x No Business org. Agency

2005x

Is there a cluster or competitive council?

Yes

No

A general council exists

Degree of obstacles when building cluster policy

No/Low

Medium

Important

General assessments of competitiveness?

Yes

No

Role of clusters as framework in policy areas Business network policy FDI attraction policy Export promotion policy Sectoral industry policy Science and education policy Competition and marked integration

Low

Source: Oxford Research

2

Medium

High

1.1 Terminology In each country there will be one or possibly several terms or phrases used to describe clusters. In some cases, different terms represent “competing” perspectives on clusters and, as perspectives change over time, one term may gradually replace another. In the Czech Republic a cluster is called klastr. There are no other words because it is a very new trend. The phenomenon of clustering in the Czech Republic encompasses both firm concentrations localised in old industrial areas (such as in metallurgy and engineering), as well as country-wide supplier networks for large international firms such as Volkswagen/Skoda. At the same time, SMEs are starting to cluster together following a bottom-up approach in an effort to withstand the asymmetric power relations in supplier-networks, be it faced with transnational supermarket chains or the automotive industry. Clusters in the sense of tools that have an important role in supporting firm competitiveness by increasing productivity, innovation and firm formation appeared only recently in SMEs support and innovation policy documents of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.

1.2 Cluster development programmes and cluster organisations In many countries, there are programmes set up specifically to promote cluster development. Such programmes can be carried out by existing actors (for example a government agency), or new actors can be set up to run them. Often, one of the purposes of such programmes is to help initiate cluster organisations, that is, the programme provides financing or otherwise promotes the formation of clusterspecific organisations, typically in some form of public-private partnership. A country can have many (even hundreds) of such cluster-level organisations in operation. Here is presented the identified cluster agencies and cluster programmes at national and regional level in the Czech Republic. 1.2.1

Agencies for cluster policy implementation

Since 2004, the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade (http://www.mpo.cz/) has been disbursing funds aimed at fostering inter-firm co-operation. Section for entrepreneurship is responsible for strategy and the Section for structural funds for financing. CzechInvest – the agency of the Ministry of Industry and Trade is responsible for cluster policy implementation. CzechInvest was established in 1992 by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, CzechInvest is the investment and business development agency of the Czech Republic whose services and development programmes contribute to attracting foreign investment and to developing Czech companies not only through its information services and consultancy but also by linkage with structural funds of the EU. There are Regional development agencies that from the viewpoint of their main role to coordinate regional development policy cooperate with clusters. Cluster issue is only marginal for their activities. 3

Source: http://www.czechinvest.org/en

1.2.2

National cluster programmes

CLUSTERS support programme Financing Source of programme financing: EU structural funds co-financed from the state budget Budget: For years 2005-2008 there are planned amounts of 1.2, 4.2, 4.2 and 5 mil EUR respectively for developed support services for firms and group of firms from structural funds with the state budget co-financing. Time horizon: The programme is valid for the 2004—2006 period. After it has been announced, applications were received on an ongoing basis. The closing date for the admission of applications was October 2006; funding must be claimed by September 2008. The duration of the programme has depended on the funding available. It is already closed for new projects. Actor Programme initiator: Ministry of Industry and Trade CR Carried out by: The implementing body for this Programme is the Investment and Business Development Agency – CzechInvest (www.czechinvest.cz) The actor was not formed for this purpose. The actor has other tasks apart from this programme. Organisational set up at programme and project level: CzechInvest is an implementing agency for these measures. It has all competencies for preparation of calls and projects administration. Scope and target Geographic coverage: National except Prague region. Policy focus: This programme is targeted on building competitive regions by bringing local actors and assets together. Focus is on smaller firms with a broad approach to sector and innovation targets. Its emphasis is put on engagement of actors from industry, services and R&D. Clusters in a certain stage of the lifecycle targeted: The programme is split into two phases: (i) Search and (ii) Establishment and Development. The first phase serves for identifying firms with potential for cooperation and development. The second phase uses results of the first phase for creating viable clusters. Programme contents Short description: This programme lays down the basic rules and conditions for the provision of support in the form of grants for projects aimed at supporting economic growth and the competitiveness of the economy by developing multisectoral groupings - clusters, which can be created at regional, supra-regional or cross-border level. 4

This programme represents a tool for regional governments and municipalities to support development of SMEs in their regions by networking firms and R&D institutions for their closer cooperation in innovation activities and transferring research results through companies to commercial products. Activities – prioritised areas: There are no sectoral preferences. Supported activities include pre-feasibility studies, the hire and furnishing of offices required for the cluster’s operations, tangible and intangible assets (except leases) required for the cluster to work properly, consultancy services, benchmarking with foreign clusters, the promotion and publicity of the cluster and its activities, research of markets, projects for enhancing competition and innovations, and evaluations of the economic impacts of project realization. Ambitions/goals: The aim of the programme is to establish infrastructure for entities which, under certain conditions, group together in order to generate the competitiveness they need in the form of a cluster, i.e. with the integral participation of the region, the tertiary or research sphere, and business entities. The goal is to increase economic output of regions by effective exploitation of local resources. Target group: The beneficiaries of aid are regions, tertiary education institutions or research organizations, and business entities based in the Czech Republic. There is a particular focus on SMEs. Level of R&D involvement: R&D institutions should participate in supported clusters. What the programme offers the projects: The programme offers financial support for infrastructure and management of clusters and training for actors and participants. Cross-country/interregional activity: It is national programme, however it does not exclude any type of cooperation including international and costs related to such cooperation are eligible. Process Aid is granted in the form of grants for projects: -to search for and identify suitable firms for clusters, up to a maximum of 75% of eligible costs, i.e. CZK 0.2 — 1.0 million (7 000-35 000 EUR), -to set up and develop clusters, with the maximum level of eligible costs covered by a degressive grant (75%, 65% and 55%) for each of the three years as of the project launch. Provided resources are based on application. Top down or bottom-up approach in selection of clusters to support: Programme allows both types of approach. Projects are expected from regional administration for creating infrastructure for these activities as well as from firms to support their cooperation. Main elements in applications: The main elements are cooperation of firms with R&D institutions, and synergic effects on companies’ economy as well as employment. Evaluation 5

Results so far/conclusions from evaluations: This program lasts only for a short period. Statistical data shows that till November 2007 there were 85 applications for Cluster programme and 53 were awarded. Planned future: The programme is considered as very useful and in programming period 2007-2013 it continues as Cooperation programme. Source: http://www.mpo.cz/dokument17303.html

After approval of the Operational Programme Enterprise and Innovation by the Czech Government in January 2007, the Ministry of Industry and Trade submitted, in accordance with the Law No. 47/2002 Coll. on small and medium-sized enterprises, 15 subprograms of support to the Government for approval. The subprograms are in compliance with the Lisbon Strategy. One of them is the Cooperation sub-programme. COOPERATION - the subprogram supports the establishment and further development of co-operational corporation forms - clusters, poles of excellence, technological platforms and others Financing Source of programme financing: EU structural funds co-financed from the state budget Budget: 272 mil EUR for networks of cooperation for 2007-2013 Time horizon: 2007-2013 Actor Programme initiator: Ministry of Industry and Trade CR Carried out by: The intermediate body for this Programme is the Investment and Business Development Agency – CzechInvest (www.czechinvest.cz) The actor was not formed for this purpose. It has much broader range of activities. Organisational set up at programme and project level: CzechInvest is an implementing agency for this subprogramme. Scope and target Geographic coverage: National except Prague region Policy focus: This programme is targeted on lagging regions. Focus is on smaller firms with a broad approach to sector and innovation targets. Emphasis is put on engagement of actors from industry, services and R&D. Clusters in a certain stage of the lifecycle targeted: There is no specific scope. Programme contents Short description: The Cooperation programme is intended for those who want to cooperate with other companies in their branch and to establish cluster. Those who can also be involved in the programme include: Large firms that want to cooperate more with universities and scientific-research institutions and to support their own innovative capability 6

Regional authorities looking for a successful regional development tool which would bring economic growth and greater specialisation Universities and scientific-research institutions that strive to enhance cooperation on specific projects in the private sphere. These organisations endeavour to accelerate the transfer of technologies into practice and to commercialise the results of their research. This programme and the association of other regional entities from the branch in the form of a cluster offer everyone the opportunity to gain valuable experience and knowledge. Thanks to the mutual cooperation and participation in joint projects, this therefore enables the improvement of mutual ties and the establishment of longterm, advantageous multilateral partnerships of firms, universities, research institutes, regional authorities and other institutions in the given region. Activities – prioritised areas: a) Clusters – support for establishing and developing territorially concentrated branch or sectoral groupings of business entities, research and development, educational and other supporting institutions; b) Poles of Excellence – support for establishing and developing groupings of research, business and other entities focusing on high-tech research; Infrastructure support for joint cooperative activities and intense cooperation of research and educational institutions with the business sector; c) Technology Platforms – support for establishing and developing national technology platforms and interconnection of the public sector and the private sector in R&D in strategically significant technological areas. Support for integration of Czech research institutions and enterprises into international technology platforms; d) Activities related to the Programme implementation and project generation – mapping and development of a potential to develop new projects, study implementation, international experience application, networking, educational, promotional and other supportive activities to efficiently use funds for support of cooperative groupings. Ambitions/goals: The objective of the Programme is a support for establishing and developing cooperative sectoral associations – clusters, poles of excellence, technology platforms and cooperative projects at regional, supraregional and international levels as a tool for boosting competitiveness of the economy and economic growth. The Programme’s general objective is continuous creation of a favourable business environment, improvement of conditions for enterprise and innovation and development of competitive edge by closer interrelations among research, universities and the business sector. Target group: Small and medium-size enterprises Large firms that want to cooperate more with universities and scientific-research institutions and to thus support their own innovative capability Regional authorities looking for a successful regional development tool which would bring economic growth and greater specialisation Universities and scientific-research institutions that strive to enhance cooperation on specific projects in the private sphere. 7

There is a particular focus on SMEs. Level of R&D involvement: R&D institutions should participate in supported clusters. What the programme offer the projects: clusters – development of cooperative groupings associating firms in a given field, regional authorities, universities, research and other institutions in the region poles of excellence – development of specific types of groupings focused on hightech manufacturing and cross-sector branches (biotechnology, nanotechnology, etc.) technology platforms - development of sector groupings associating key decisionmakers in the branch at the national level that focus on scientific-research projects Eligible costs will be: long-term tangible assets (particularly hardware, networks, equipment and instruments for science and research, purchase of structures and land) long-term intangible assets (particularly software and data, intellectual property rights) operating costs (particularly rent, wages, travel, seminars and workshops, marketing and promotion) Cross-country/interregional activity: The objective of the Programme is support for establishing and developing cooperative sectoral associations – clusters, poles of excellence, technology platforms and cooperative projects at regional, supraregional and international levels. Process Based on applications or appointments: Provided resources are based on application. Top down or bottom-up approach in selection of clusters to support: Programme allows both types of approach. Projects are expected from regional administration for creating infrastructure for these activities as well as from firms to support their cooperation. Main elements in applications: The project shall be implemented in the Czech Republic, outside of the territory of the Capital City of Prague. The main elements are cooperation of firms with R&D institutions, and synergic effects on companies’ economy as well as employment. Evaluation Results so far/conclusions from evaluations: Because these measures are only planed there is only vague ex ante evaluation. Planned future: The future will depend on programme results. Source: http://www.mpo.cz/dokument25450.html

1.2.3

Regional cluster programme

Above mentioned programmes cover all regions except Prague. There are no additional programmes launched on the regional level. However, regional governments can used them according to regional specific conditions and needs. 8

1.2.4

Successful cluster programmes

Clusters support programme financed from the structural funds during the programming period 2004-2006 has been considered as successful and its main features were transferred to the new Co-operation program for programming period 20072013 of structural funds. Based on preliminary evaluation despite very short implementation period, it can be concluded that regional authorities consider clusters as a useful tool for enhancing regional economy and improving business environment.

1.3 Cluster policies Above the level of agencies and programmes is the policy level. On the policy level, plans and strategies are developed in the form of policy documents, directives and legislation, rather than concrete programmes and organisations. There may be one overarching policy for clusters, a “cluster policy”, outlining specifically how cluster development should be pursued. In addition, clusters may form a framework in a long range of policy fields. Primarily, this is often the case in three key areas: innovation and technology policies, regional economic development policy, and entrepreneurship/SME policy. However, it can also occur in many other policy areas. 1.3.1

Overarching cluster policy

Importance of cluster policy While the cluster concept is still relatively new in the Czech Republic, a lot of governmental programmes are targeting entrepreneurial co-operation and SME development in general. The Society of Technology Parks, the counselling agency Czech Venture Partners and the Czech Innovation Centre among others provide general support for enterprises. The Czech Agency for Foreign Investments (CzechInvest) stands out as an important actor in FDI-driven cluster development co-ordinating the foundation of industrial zones and searching for strategic investors. Source: http://www.oecd.org/infobycountry/0,3380,en_2649_34417_1_70780_119699_1_1,00.html

Policy papers on national level The National Cluster Strategy 2005-2008, duly acknowledged by the Czech Government under Government Resolution No 883 of 13 July 2005, has the following objectives: To use clusters to interconnect the resources of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Regional Development, the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the regions of the Czech Republic in a targeted and coordinated manner that maximizes the impact of aid granted from public resources. This aim requires the integration of programme measures under other strategies and policies, such as the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), innovations, research and development, exports, training and infrastructure. 9

To improve the effectiveness of communications with regions, tertiary education institutions and the private sector with a view to developing shared priorities. In particular, there are efforts to develop dialogue with whole industrial sectors, not only individual companies, by means of a more detailed grasp of the strengths and weaknesses of business within the regions. To ensure the identification and support of sectors and branches with the necessary growth potential and will to enhance their competitiveness through cooperation and innovation, especially in regions which adopt decisions to promote innovative clusters. The aim is to involve SMEs in particular in cooperation, to develop innovation and increase exports. To help SME groups work together on the identification of opportunities for costsharing and overcoming traditional growth barriers, e.g. access to finance and information technologies, the performance of research and development, and the marketing of new products. To create a framework for the analysis, monitoring and evaluation of the performance of cluster initiatives, and their impact on the regional and national economy. The evaluation will include a mutual comparison of clusters and, in particular, a comparison with foreign cluster initiatives. To prepare a National Cluster Study in the Czech Republic, the result of which will be the identification of sectors with export potential in the regions. Based on the outcome of regional surveys, to draw up a general study of the industrial structure in the Czech Republic, contributing to the planning of programmes within the scope of Structural Funds for the next programming period. Source: http://www.mpo.cz/dokument6216.html, http://www.mpo.cz/zprava25477.html

The main aim of the state in the design of cluster policy The main aim of this cluster policy is primarily to support regional economic development via increasing competitiveness and productivity of companies through enhancing their innovation activities and fully exploiting specific regional conditions and resources. On the other hand, the complex approach to enterprises development and to enhancing their competitiveness can use state resources for support more effectively. Since when has cluster policy been used? The cluster policy has been developed since 2000 and implemented from the structural funds since 2004. Based on experiences from the programming period 20042006, the new operational program Enterprises and innovation for 2007-2013 further developed this approach to increase competitiveness of Czech SMEs. Cluster policy associated with a particular individual/political party/research institution? This issue has been in the competency of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the cluster policy has been prepared in close cooperation with CzechInvest. 1.3.2

Clusters as framework in key policy areas

Innovation and technology policy 10

Innovation Strategy for Industry and Enterprise 2005-2008 stems from the National Innovation Strategy adopted by the government on March 24, 2004. It states that the purpose of supporting clusters´ establishment is to increase the efficiency of the production processes and an innovation potential multiplication at the level of individual branches, mostly by means of the efficient experience inflow. The advantage of the clusters is their close linking with the scientific and research institutions as well as Universities which provide the relevant know-how for the innovation process. The clusters also offer a space for the multiplication of financial subsidies effect as they enable to draw subsidies both at the level of individual enterprises and at the level of clusters. Source: http://www.mpo.cz/zprava11688.html

Regional economic development policy Strategy of regional development for the Czech Republic (2006) considers innovation and establishing clusters as an important tool for economic development and qualitative enhancement of regional economy. Source: http://www.mmr.cz/index.php?show=001024004003

Entrepreneurship and SME policy Concept of development of small and medium-sized enterprises for the period 2007 – 2013 (April 2006) states that the second half of this decade and undoubtedly also other years will be a period in which it will be necessary to promote and accelerate those changes in the SMEs sector which are necessary for maintaining and increasing its competitiveness. Support geared towards strengthening and expanding the category of medium-sized and smaller enterprises capable of a positive response to challenges that arise from a considerable volume of foreign investments in lines of business requiring rapid pace of innovation and globalization tendencies has special significance in this respect. It considers cooperation networks and clusters as an opportunity for competitiveness development of SMEs Source: http://www.mpo.cz/dokument24151.html

1.3.3

Clusters as framework in various policy areas

No remark.

1.4 Cluster or competitiveness councils In some countries, councils have been set up to promote a dialogue about clusters and competitiveness. Often, these councils have representatives from the government sector as well as from the academic world and the business community.

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1.5 Other policy issues Sometimes it is useful to know about any other issues that have an impact on clusters in a country. Such issues could be, for example, any macro economic policies that may be relevant for clusters (tax regimes, etc), or if any general evaluation has been made about the country’s competitiveness and barriers to competitiveness.

1.6 Policy trends Policy trends Policy Stream

Old Approach

New Approach

Cluster Programme Focus

Regional policy

Redistribution from leading to lagging regions

Building competitive regions by bringing local actors and assets together

Target or often include lagging regions Focus on smaller firms as opposed to larger firms, if not explicitly than de facto Broad approach to sector and innovation targets Emphasis on engagement of actors

Science and technology policy

Financing of individual, single sector projects in basic research

Financing of collaborative research involving networks with industry and links with commercialisation

Usually high technology focus Both take advantage of and reinforce the spatial impacts of R&D investment Promote collaborative R&D instruments to support commercialisation Include both large and small firms; can emphasise support for spin-off start ups

Industrial and enterprise policy

Subsidies to firms; national champions

Supporting common needs of firm groups and technology absorption (especially SMEs)

Programmes often adopt one of the following approaches: Target the "drivers" of national growth Support industries undergoing transition and thus shedding jobs Help small firms overcome obstacles to technology absorption and growth Create competitive advantages to attract inward investment and brand for exports

Source: OECDA review of national cluster policies: why are they popular, again?, June 2006

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