Development strategies of selected clusters from the Świętokrzyskie Region

Purpose: The purpose of the article was to make an attempt to determine the development opportunities of entities concentrated in specific social and economic conditions of the clusters of the Świętokrzyskie region. The entities operating in clusters are sectorally and geographically concentrated, creating inter-organisational cooperation networks using the factors of common location. Common location factors can be catalysts and inhibitors of the development of entities in clusters, thus they determine the behaviour and strategic responses of the cluster. Design/methodology/approach: The research process used the case study method. Strategies for increasing the competitiveness of entities are created by building multilevel interorganisational relations. These ties take on the character of clusters. Entities seek new competitive opportunities in a global cooperation network and take advantage of location advantages. Findings: Integrating into clusters creates new competitive opportunities, innovative opportunities and eliminates location defects. Scenarios for the development of clusters, together with the determinants of the competitive success of entities, will be described in the organic concept of cluster creation. The new concept of creating clusters was observed on the competitive success of the Świętokrzysko-Podkarpackie Construction Cluster INNOWATOR and Grona Targowe Kielce. Research limitations/implications: The presented analyses and assessments are forms of conceptual reflection that will be verified in the undertaken empirical research of entities operating in the Świętokrzyskie clusters. The results of conducted research on the competitiveness of business entities operating in clusters will be presented in subsequent publications. Practical implications: Inter-organisational relationships through cluster structures shape the competitiveness and innovation of enterprises, which plays a key role in the globalising world. Location advantages and disadvantages are factors supporting competitiveness. Social implications: The methods of supporting and developing inter-organisational relations constitute recommendations for entities creating strategies for increasing competitiveness. The examination and assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the location of entities is an important source of information for managers of organisations functioning in inter-organisational relations. Originality/value: The article is practical help for managers of organisations who are looking for opportunities to increase competitiveness in building cluster structures and who want to bypass the threats arising from location factors.