External Environmental Factors Conditioning the Formation and Growth of Clusters in Małopolska

Abstract

Given Małopolska's strategic location, good transport infrastructure and plan to support clusters, it is a perfect location for future cluster initiatives and clusters themselves. Małopolska has a vibrant academic culture and excellent research facilities, and, further, boasts land characterised by a high concentration of industrial enterprises, information technology and outsourcing services that prioritise innovation and increasing efficiency. The high concentration of business competition in the area sharpens and stimulates the growth of entrepreneurship, which can certainly be achieved in a cluster that favours the formation of cluster initiatives while new economic clusters with high growth potential are also identified. The development of clusters may well be stimulated by broad access to external sources of business financing that significantly support the initial phase of growth. Unfortunately, all is not perfect ‒ spending on research and development remains relatively low, as does the interest small businesses show in cooperating with the research community.