QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE ASPECTS OF THE CLUSTERS IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

Abstract

Clusters are not a new phenomenon in world economy. Many research study mainly Anglo - Americans emphasize the role of clusters in modern economy and regional development. Clusters refer to the tight connections that bind certain firms, industries, universities and local government together in various aspects – geographic location, sources of innovation, shared suppliers and factors of production, and so forth.

The main purpose of the paper is to find out the importance of qualitative and quantitative aspect of clusters in the Slovak Republic.

By means of Pearson correlation quotient we will emphasize the independent relations between business and employment and creation of GDP and between university graduates and employment. A partial aim of this paper is an application of selected quantitative method – shift-share analyses to investigate the cluster potential in Slovak regions. Next ambition is to evaluate the applicability method – shift –share analyses used for analyzing the industries adequate for cluster formation and its development. Based on the analysis we will try to recommended, in which other areas in Slovak regions could be new clusters created.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.em.18.4.4669