New networks create new opportunities – clusters and cooperative ventures in Lower Austria

Small and mid-sized enterprises (SME) are the pillars of the Lower Austrian economy. Yet, they are most seriously affected by the increasing globalization of their markets. So, the need is for innovation, for specialization in core competencies and for allin-one solutions from a single source. Many of these requirements can no longer be met by one company alone. For this reason, a vital business policy may be to enter into strategic alliances with other companies ranging from joint product development to organizational optimization, from shared purchasing and equipment use to cooperative market activities.
At this point, clusters and networks are concepts that can open up new opportunities to many companies while decisively strengthening their competitiveness.

But what is a cluster, in fact?
Clusters are flexible networks of small and large companies that complement each other, along research, development, qualification institutions and additional centers of competence that build competitiveness thanks to close supply linkages and cooperative relationships.

Since 2001 ecoplus has already established cluster initiatives in six next-generation sectors: automotive, green building, plastics, food, logistics and mechatronics. 
As a result, the managements of these clusters represent the best points of contact for companies focused on innovation and cooperation. 120 cooperation projects have already been completed, with more than 500 companies participating.