The cluster approach is increasingly being established as an effective tool for the development of the regional economy. The Zaporizhzhia Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been consistently supporting this idea for a long time, in particular, through the initiative to create and develop the Zaporizhzhia Cluster “Engineering-Automation-Mechanical Engineering”. On June 27, representatives of the Zaporizhzhia CCI and member companies of the Chamber took part in a meeting of the platform “Dialogue between Government and Business”, organized by the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration.
The focus of the discussion was the development of the cluster movement as a powerful driver of the regional economy. Representatives of the government, business, academia and the expert community focused on the advantages of the cluster approach, exchange of experience and joint problem solving.
Director of the Zaporizhzhia Cluster “Engineering-Automation-Mechanical Engineering”, Professor of the National University “Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic” Andriy Karpenko, during his speech, reported that the IAM cluster, created in 2020, unites about 20 permanent participants, more than 30 – associated. The community is growing thanks to cooperation, use of common assets, fundraising, strives to develop exports and attract investments.
Andriy Karpenko paid special attention to the co-founders and partners of the Zaporizhzhia Cluster IAM. The Zaporizhzhia Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been providing advisory and organizational support since the first days of the community’s establishment. The National University “Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic” is strengthening the scientific and innovative component of the association. Together, such promising projects as the European Digital Innovation Hub, Science Park, Energy Hub are being implemented.
The CEO of the Ukrainian Cluster Alliance, Oleksandr Yurchak, spoke about the state policy on clusters. He emphasized the need for a regulatory framework for cluster development. A draft government resolution has already been prepared, and by the end of the year, additional regulatory acts are expected to be adopted that will regulate the activities of clusters.
Nadiya Karplyuk, Chief Consultant of the Clusters4Regions project, presented the experience of international cooperation, and Olga Shapoval, Executive Director of the Kharkiv IT Cluster, shared the practices of effective integration of business, education, and government, which allow the IT sector to overcome challenges and scale results.
Maksym Kucherenko, Deputy Director of the Department of Economic Development and Trade of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration, noted that the cluster approach has already proven its effectiveness. The regional authorities support such initiatives, help with coordination, and promote infrastructure development.