This book presents the current results of research conducted in the area of clusters and cluster policy development in Central European countries with a focus on Poland, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and Austria. It maps and compares the various conditions influencing cluster development in these selected countries from both the macro (policy, government) and the micro (cluster organisation) level, analyses good practices, and proposes a framework for cluster development in this region. Additionally, the depicted research provides a new perspective on the cluster issue, drawing attention to current trends such as the concept of inter-cluster cooperation and World-Class clusters. The book serves as a guide for successful cluster development, and is a source of valuable research concerning the issue of clusters in the specified region. Its findings will be beneficial both for clusters and institutions supporting their development. The recommendations presented in this volume will be useful for further cluster policy development and shaping the programmes of support for clusters for the new programming period in these countries. The practical findings contained here will also be beneficial in the academic sphere, and will provide assistance for teaching activities.
