| Abstract |
The importance of clusters in the empowerment and growth of micro, small and medium companies, and even regional economic sectors, has been analyzed and proven by previous research. Their results had effect on the development of cluster-based strategies and supporting measures on the national and the European Union (EU) level which contributed to the increase in the number of more or less successful clusters. This paper seeks to reveal the importance of clusters for the development of the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector by analyzing the results of the survey conducted through a research project whose aim is to define the key economic factors for the ICT sector development, with emphasis on the supportive business environment. The importance of the ICT sector for the development of other industries and overall economic development is already well-known, although its total effects are challenging to estimate as of its presence and permeation within all other economic sectors. Therefore, the analysis of the ICT clusters as one of the key development factors was found important. In the frame of the research conducted, the following research questions were designed: "Do ICT experts consider active clusters and associations to be characteristics of a stimulating business environment?", "What is the impact of clusters and professional associations on the ICT sector development in a particular region?", and "Do ICT experts consider the role of the state, in the form of development of innovation parks and co-working spaces, a significant activity for the ICT sector development?" The conclusion states that clusters are not considered the key factor of a stimulating business environment but can contribute to the development of successful regional ICT sectors. Therefore, regional ICT communities and clusters should be empowered through the quadruple helix model. In this process, the involvement of key players, that is, the most interested ICT businesses with the support of the local government, and the academy is crucial. Consequently, it was concluded that only with coordinated and continuous activities of the clusters their contribution in development of sustainable regional ICT sectors can be achieved and recognized. |