The use of cluster policies to promote regional economic development was discussed at an event hosted by OSCE Mission to Moldova

On 6 December 2016, the OSCE Mission to Moldova hosted a roundtable discussion in Chisinau to discuss the use of cluster policy to spur economic development at the regional level in the Republic of Moldova. The event was held in the context of the recently approved Cluster Development Concept for the Republic of Moldova. Cluster policy is an approach to foster collaboration between a diverse number of public and private sector actors, such as businesses, government agencies, and academic institutions in order to promote economic development in a specific geographic region. The event brought together 19 participants representing national and regional authorities, regional development agencies, academia, civil society and the international community.

During the event, Alla Levitcaia, an independent expert from Comrat, explained how private and public stakeholders can work together to increase the productivity of companies both nationally and globally. She provided examples of its effective use in the Autonomous Territorial Unit (ATU) of Gagauzia. Nevertheless, in the expert’s opinion, this so-called “innovative culture” is still underutilized in Moldova. She believes this in part accounts for the low level of competitiveness of Moldovan enterprises.

“Following this fruitful discussion, our agency will take into consideration the arguments voiced at the event to broaden the use of cluster policies in Gagauzia,” said Valeriu Ianioglo, Director of the Regional Development Agency of the ATU of Gagauzia.

The roundtable is part of a project funded by the Mission to support the engagement of national minorities and civil society in public discussion and service in Moldova. The project is implemented by the OSCE Mission to Moldova in partnership with the Comrat based NGO, Youth Centre Piligrim-Demo.