Cluster and cluster policy as tools for regional development management

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to indicate the role of a cluster and a cluster-based policy in the process of regional development management as the tools serving the achievement of positive development effects in the region. Research method – The analysis was based on the review of domestic and foreign literature sources devoted to clusters, as well as the documents and the assumptions of the cluster policy at the EC level and the national and regional level, the participant observation as a member of research and implementation and advisory project teams in the field of cluster management and cluster policy in Poland and in the region. Results – A cluster can be used at any stage of the strategic management of regional development as an element of strategic analysis, as one of the key consultants in the process of regional development strategy projection, and ultimately as a tool for implementing the assumptions of regional development strategy. Originality / value – The proposed dual model of cluster policy in the Podlaskie Voivodeship using detailed assumptions, including developed clusters as a tool for managing regional development as a part of the cluster-based policy.