The process of encouraging and developing cluster systems in Croatia is mainly coordinated by the Ministry of Economy, labour and Entrepreneurship (MElE) in collaboration with partner institutions: the Croatian Employers association, the Croatian Chamber of Economy and the Croatian Chamber of Crafts.
Since each of the institutions supports its respective clusters, it is difficult to establish an accurate and unique list of all the clusters in the Republic of Croatia. however, in a recent mapping carried out within the WBC-INCO.NET project, it is estimated that there are currently about 50 different clusters with a steady upward trend.
Since 2005, the MELE implements the supporting programme “Clusters – merging to success” and has financed more than 50 cluster initiatives so far. Besides, it has initiated six export-oriented clusters according to the top-down principle within the first Croatian export strategy “Croatian Export Offensive” for the period of 2007 to 2010.
An affiliation of clusters was also established within the Croatian Chamber of Economy in November 2007, covering the whole country with its activities. At the moment, it has more than 40 members – clusters, companies, R&D and individuals (from the academic community).
Some of the most successful clusters in Croatia are:
- 1. The Association of Croatian ICT Clusters
- 2. The BIOS – Printing and Publishing Cluster
- 3. The Wood Cluster of Western Croatia (Lika and Gorski kotar)
- 4. The Boat Building Cluster
- 5. The Automotive Cluster of Croatia (ACH)
- 6. The Northwest Croatian Wood Industry Cluster (Varaždin county)