Methodological bases for assessing the effectiveness of clustering of the economy

Abstract

The relevance of assessing the effectiveness of clustering the economy is confirmed by the low rates of cluster organization in the Republic of Belarus, the lack of a methodology for developing cluster policy and manag-ing the clustering process. At the same time, the cluster approach is recognized in many economies as effective in terms of competitiveness and innovation. The article provides a theoretical study of the conceptual apparatus of clustering. Principles of building a system of performance indicators for clustering; directions for assessing the effectiveness of clustering and a system of indicators are developed. A methodology for assessing the effectiveness of clustering has been developed, which, in contrast to the existing ones, allows, firstly, to conduct an in-depth analysis of clustering due to: a) evaluating particular indicators of the effectiveness of clusters in dynamics and in comparison with target indica-tors; b) an integrated assessment of the effectiveness of clustering for all indicators for comparison across regions; sec-ondly, it allows assessing the contribution of clusters to the socio-economic and innovative development of regions. The practical significance of the sound method is that the results can be used by government bodies to develop and adjust cluster policy. An integrated assessment of clustering at the regional level will make it possible to objectively distribute resources, attract investors and labor resources to competitive clusters.