Reinforcing Innovation and Competitiveness of SMEs by New Maritime Clustering Initiatives in South Baltic Sea Region

Maritime SMEs of the Baltic Sea Region face challenges to conquer with competitors on international level. To increase competitiveness and market shares building cluster is one contemporary main strategy to use the obtained synergies and strengthen the position on international markets. Other European regions are already supporting maritime SMEs through the implementation of clusters in order to accomplish a strong position in the maritime sector. Building upon the EU-project INTERMARE South Baltic, the present paper analyses clustering possibilities and competitiveness of SMEs in South Baltic Sea Region (SBSR) compared to well-established maritime clusters across Europe. The paper builds upon concepts of benchmarking, cluster and corporate strategies. The research grounds on case studies and interviews with experts of maritime clusters from Spain, Sweden, Germany, Poland and Lithuania. The data pool was complemented by observations made during the project implementation. The paper delivers an analysis and evaluation of the SBSR regarding maritime cluster development. The research proposes a qualitative indicator matrix, which can be used for benchmarking of emerging maritime clusters like in the SBSR and its comparison with counterparts of different size. Thus, the research proposes a novel concept by reconceptualising Porter’s diamond framework to measure cluster competitiveness. Practically, the developed concept contributes through strategic recommendations for the emerging INTERMARE South Baltic cluster and its inherent SMEs to improve competitiveness and innovation potential, as well as serve as a supporting tool for policy makers when setting up regional innovation and development initiatives.