"Communication is a key word"
Cluster 55 is based in the southern part of Sweden, but operates also in the greater Copenhagen area. The organization focuses on helping start ups and SMEs in the ICT sector with internationalization through a large international network. The Cluster organization has been operative since 1999 which makes it one of the oldest cluster organizations in Europe. It works with mainly 3 different things:
Internationalization
Trough a wide international network, with contacts in Europe, Asia, South America and the US Cluster 55 provides companies with contacts to new markets. Normally it is done by collaboration with a cluster organization in another country, where you also might use an office space for a short time period.
Matchmaking
At the moment Cluster 55 is busy arranging a large brokerage event in the Oresund region where SMEs will have the opportunity to pitch towards large multinationals like Sony and LG. Also companies from other countries are welcome free of charge and invitations have been sent out through also Austrian cluster organizations. This exemplifies how the cluster works – very hands on – and how they help both small and large companies with new contacts.
Fundraising
Since Cluster 55 have been working within the innovation system for many years the organization is also very good at finding money in for instance different EU funds. This has helped many small companies within the ICT sector to find research money in order to expand their business.
Passion and curiosity are keywords in cluster management, sharing and collaboration are others. As we work with people you really need to have an interest in what others do and you also must be willing to share your knowledge with them. The award really means a lot to me and to my colleagues. The international reputation that this gives us, will help us to expand our network even more.
I was really proud when I got the award and since it was a live voting, it really means that you can get through to the audience. For me that is a real recognition, communication is a key word for a cluster manager and of course this was proof for myself in being a good communicator.