Stakeholder engagement and research in cluster organisations: an empirical qualitative study of the Czech Republic

Abstract

Clusters promote collaboration among firms, universities, and research institutions, promoting research and innovation. Despite the growing interest in these collaborative networks, existing studies often overlook interactions between companies and research entities, instead concentrating on individual partnerships. This paper aims to examine how companies and researchers within cluster organisations establish connections, emphasising engagement in less institutionalised ecosystems. A thematic analysis was conducted using semi-structured interviews with cluster managers and a survey with researchers to uncover factors of engagement in R&D. The data reveal that stakeholders primarily seek to reduce R&D costs, exchange advanced knowledge, and access innovative technologies. For cluster organisations, a key motivation is to pool resources, while researchers prioritise expanding networks to secure research projects and funding. The findings suggest the importance of improving decision-making structures in research institutions while respecting their autonomy, contributing to an understanding of effective collaboration dynamics within cluster organisations.