A recent study published by the Harvard Business School analyzes the cluster policy in Catalonia, highlighting it as a case of global success in business competitiveness.
This case study reveals how clusters have had a critical impact on Catalan companies, making Catalonia a leading region in this field in Europe.
Clusters, defined as groupings of companies and agents, such as universities and technology centers in a specific economic area, have been fundamental in improving business competitiveness in Catalonia.
The Generalitat began promoting clusters in 1992 and the study highlights that few initiatives have lasted so long, pointing to the continued success of this program and its contribution to Catalan economic development.
Catalan cluster policy
The benefits derived from participation in cluster activities are reflected in key indicators such as turnover, job creation, innovation and internationalization. Companies that are part of these organizations report critical improvements in these aspects compared to those that do not participate in clusters.
During a meeting with Catalan cluster leaders and representatives of the ecosystem, Roger Torrent i Ramió, Minister of Enterprise and Employment, highlighted the importance of cluster policy for the competitiveness of the Catalan economy.
He noted that in the last three years, 400 new companies have joined the clusters, thus strengthening the Catalan business landscape.
Harvard Business School researcher Christian Ketels praised Catalonia as a global reference in cluster policy. He highlighted how the region has successfully adapted public policies and cluster structures to economic and global changes in recent decades.
Ketels stressed that Catalonia has a cluster structure with private leadership, close collaboration with the government through ACCIÓ, and a global vision that identifies the key sectors for the Catalan economy.
Case study in MBA programs
The case study will be studied by students specialized in microeconomics and business competitiveness, both in MBA and Masters in Public Administration (MPA) programs, as well as by students from various international universities associated with Harvard Business School.
Harvard highlighted Catalonia’s strong industrial tradition, its recognition as a “strong innovator” by the European Commission in the European innovation ranking, and recent investments by multinationals such as Microsoft and AstraZeneca.
Currently, the Catalunya Clústers program includes 27 Catalan clusters with more than 2,700 associated companies, generating a turnover of more than 70,000 million euros.
These clusters represent 36% of Catalonia’s industrial turnover and 36% of industrial jobs. Cluster partners range from SMEs to large companies, research centers, universities, startups and stakeholders.
