Guide to Cluster Formation in Ukraine

Within the framework of the EU4Business program, funded by the European Union and the German government, the “Ukrainian WoodHouse Cluster” in partnership with the international business community Board is pleased to announce the launch of a new ambitious project.

Its primary goal is to enhance the potential and competitiveness of entrepreneurs in Ukraine through effective clustering,as well as to strengthen the positions of Ukrainian small and medium-sized businesses in the global economy. Currently,one of the project’s key tasks is the development of a practice-oriented guide on forming business associations.

In the European Union, clusters provide 40% of jobs, 55% of the payroll fund, half of European exports, and 87% of European Union patents. What then is the future for the development of Ukraine’s economy? An economy that will be based on the development of human capital, innovation, added value, and exports? There is a solution: the development of a cluster approach.

To create a new cluster in Ukraine, it is primarily necessary for business managers, scientists, the public sector, and local authorities to understand the benefits and impact of a cluster. It is for this purpose, within the framework of the EU4Business program funded by the European Union and the German government, that the “Ukrainian WoodHouse Cluster” initiated the development of a practice-oriented Ukrainian Clusters Development Guide. This is a comprehensive roadmap that offers Ukrainian enterprises a structured approach to clustering. Drawing on international best practices and adapting them to the unique Ukrainian context, the manual will become a useful resource for entrepreneurs to leverage the advantages of clustering. All for one goal — to raise Ukraine to a new level of prosperity and well-being, making it a powerful partner in the European market.

To implement the project, we have formed an Expert Council consisting of 10 specialists: mentors from the Board business community, the Ukrainian Cluster Alliance, the CAESC Foundation, and international partners of the “Ukrainian WoodHouse Cluster” NGO.

By gathering and processing the experts’ theses and recommendations, the Guide to Cluster Formation in Ukraine was developed. It includes practical recommendations and successful cases, which can serve as a basis for further methodology of cluster creation and/or a national program for cluster formation in the regions.

We believe that together we can open a new page in Ukraine’s history and become an example for others. The unification and interaction of entrepreneurs is the primary step toward strengthening our economy and creating stable foundations for its further development.

May this guide become a navigator on the path of clustering and contribute to our common goal — to raise Ukraine to a new level of prosperity and well-being. Together we are stronger and capable of great achievements!

Reference Information

The project is implemented within the framework of a grant competition for systemic support of small and medium-sized enterprises, commissioned by the international cooperation program EU4Business: Recovery, Competitiveness, and Internationalization of SMEs, co-funded by the European Union and the German government. The program aims to support Ukraine’s economic resilience, recovery, and growth, creating better conditions for the development of Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as supporting innovation and exports.

The grant competition is implemented by the Business Development Fund (BDF), while the strategic implementer of the program is the German federal company Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

Implementation partners – NGO “Ukrainian WoodHouse Cluster” and the international business community Board.

The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the NGO “Ukrainian WoodHouse Cluster” and does not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union, the German government, or the BDF.