C-PLUS – Implementing world-class clusters in CENTRAL EUROPE (2CE237P1) Bologna , 22nd April 2013

1. Project C-PLUSWP6 - Pilot ActionRegional Development Agency Bielsko-Biala (PP7)supported byBielsko-Biala Association (PP9) Tomasz Świszcz, RDA BB C-PLUS – Implementing world-class clusters in CENTRAL EUROPE (2CE237P1) Bologna, 22nd April 2013

2. Short presentation of the pilot Pilot Action recipent - Silesian Design Cluster • Silesian Design Clusterwas established in Cieszyn, July 2011, in order to promote innovative solutions which support competitiveness of regional economy. • Strategic objectives of the Cluster are: • 1st:encourage the creation of new innovative products • 2nd: development of partnerships for innovation • Members of the clusters: • companies, research & development institutes, universities and business support institutions. • members of the cluster are important market actors in the field of design • currently 34 players mostly from the south part of Poland. All actors are SMEs’

3. Short presentation of the pilot 3 Selected goals: Taking into account the current situation during conversation with cluster coordinator, external expert and PP7 the following three goals and actions were included in the Pilot Action. 1.create added value for the cluster actors by way of scoping on complementary skills and competences that can be joined in new products and services 2. create added value for the cluster actors by way of supporting the development of new business projects 3. strengthen the competences of the cluster management unit

4. Short presentation of the pilot • Create added value for the cluster actors by way of scoping on complementary skills and competences that can be joined in new products and services

5. Short presentation of the pilot Pilot Action 1.1 Audit Implemented: November’12 – January’13 Involved: SDC members (34) - Basic company data - Leading product/services - Key competences - Development situation - Business develop. barriers - Strategic develop. priorities 2013-2015 - Challenges / objectives in dev.strategy - Improve cluster cooperation (ideas) - Cooperation key elements - Marketing tools - Cooperation possibilities with other actors

6. Short presentation of the pilot Pilot Action 1.2/1.3 Seminar on cluster actors profile, expectations and vision on the cluster 2013-2014. Implemented: February 2013 Involved: 20 participants • cluster development goals and vision verification • discussion about the five thematic projects (selected during the December meeting) • 3 proposed topicsidentification as the most attractive in which implementation cluster members will cooperate in 2013 and 2014 year.

7. Short presentation of the pilot 2. create added value for the cluster actors by way of supporting the development of new business projects

8. Short presentation of the pilot Pilot Action 2.1 Brainstorming Workshop Implemented: December 2012 Involved: 18 participants • Summary: • elaboration by participants ideas and projects about which they can cooperate in 2013. • discuss each one proposition, identify leading aspects, opportunities and threats • five propositions of common projects identification • results of the meeting were disseminated to all members of the cluster as Common Projects Proposal”

9. Short presentation of the pilot 3. strengthen the competences of the cluster management unit

10. Short presentation of the pilot Pilot Action 3.1/3.2 – Cluster Animator trainings Implemented: November 2012 – January 2013 Involved: 1 Cluster Animator • Summary: • 3 Professional trainings for cluster animator • Effects: • Increase knowledge about audits preparation and implementation • Increase knowledge about creativity of the meetings • Increase knowledge about clusters priorities identification

11. Pilot Action summary: Implemented: November 2012 – February 2013 Involved: 1 Cluster Animator, 34 Cluster members • Results: • Vision of development in 2013, 2014, 2020 • engaged members in soft actions implementation (Thematic Groups) • regularly market analysis • define potential areas • exhibitions on national & international level • Key pillars of Silesian Design Cluster development in 2013-2014, i.e.: • Internationalization of business(Cluster Participation in exhibitionsand other promotional activities abroad) • Management of new product development processes(Development of a competence in the design) • Choice of two major flagships projects and implements them in the framework of the „Thematic Groups”

12. Pilot Action summary: • 3. Strategy up till 31/12/2014 (Cluster core development goals by the end of 2014: • Establishing three thematic groups, in which frame will be held the workshops, training and consultancy • Positioning cluster in selected markets of Central Europe through participation in trade fairs, exhibitions and international events; • Cluster Extension - New participants • Strengthening interaction between the participants and managing the cluster e-platform to initiate joint business projects • These objectives will be realized thanks to funds and resources provided for the project "SilesianCluster of design - development of regional concentration of creative industries," which is expected to start on 1 July 2013

13. Pilot Action continuation in 2013: • Thematic seminars: • design management - design services • design management - internationalization • design management - global trends in materials, product and technology • Groups: 3 groups breaks (3 workshops & projects realization) • Design and Recycling for kids • 65 + / 30m2 +! • Child in motion • Strengthening cooperation between members of the cluster and its extension to new entities: • Individual meeting with cluster animator (audits, identification of potential, identify needs, brokerage) • Good practice presentation in the media, at the industry meetings and conferences • Cyclical media articles.

14. Short presentation of the pilot Tomasz Świszcz PP7 Regional Development Agency Bielsko-Biala www.arrsa.pl tswiszcz@arrsa.pl 0048 33 816 91 62