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Clusters As Engines Of Sustainable Employment Growth In Romania

Author

Listed:
  • Cristina LINCARU

    (Dr, FeRSA, Department of Labour Market, National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, Bucharest, Romania)

  • Gabriela TUDOSE

    (CS II, Dr., National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, INCSMPS, Romania)

  • Daniel COSNITA

    (President, drd., Romanian Cluster Association)

  • SperanÈ›a PIRCIOG

    (Dr General Director, National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, Bucharest, Romania)

  • Adriana GRIGORESCU

    (Professor in Management, National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), Bucharest, Romania; Full Member Academy of Romanian Scientists (AOSR); Associate Senior Researcher, National Institute for Economic Research †Costin C. Kiritescu†(INCE) - Romanian Academy)

  • Vasilica CIUCA

    (Dr., National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection, INCSMPS, Romania)

Abstract

The imperative for sustainable growth has elevated clusters as pivotal tools for economic and social inclusion, fostering job creation, equitable income distribution, and regional competitiveness. A cluster comprises interrelated companies and institutions in close geographical proximity, establishing expertise and a robust network of suppliers and skills. Clusters enhance productivity and catalyze development by concentrating enterprises and labor within a unified framework, surpassing isolated firms in regional impact. This study aims to examine whether clusters act as accelerators of employment growth over time and space. Using Simple Linear Regression (SLR) to analyze data from the Romanian Association of Clusters (CLUSTERO) and the National Institute of Statistics (Tempo INS) for 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2022, we investigate the research question: Do firms within clusters, as defined by European Policy criteria, contribute to accelerating employment creation? Specifically, we assess whether the ratio of employment in clustered firms relative to total employment shows a positive trend over time. Findings reveal that clusters contribute significantly to employment growth, validating their function as a strategic asset in enhancing workforce specialization, economic development, and regional resilience. Policy recommendations underscore the need for inclusive growth strategies that incorporate sustainability to maximize cluster impact on social and economic objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristina LINCARU & Gabriela TUDOSE & Daniel COSNITA & SperanÈ›a PIRCIOG & Adriana GRIGORESCU & Vasilica CIUCA, 2024. "Clusters As Engines Of Sustainable Employment Growth In Romania," Sustainable Regional Development Scientific Journal, Sustainable Regional Development Scientific Journal, vol. 0(1), pages 45-54, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bfb:srdjou:2024-12_1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cristina LINCARU & Speranța PÎRCIOG & Draga ATANASIU & Cristina STROE & Vasilica CIUCĂ & Adriana GRIGORESCU, 2020. "Patterns Of Mainly Tourism Sectors At Local Level By Employee'S Characteristics Using Gis Multivariate Clustering Analysis - Romania Case Study," Regional Science Inquiry, Hellenic Association of Regional Scientists, vol. 0(1), pages 261-290, June.
    2. Christian Ketels, 2013. "Recent research on competitiveness and clusters: what are the implications for regional policy?," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 6(2), pages 269-284.
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    4. Delgado, Mercedes & Porter, Michael E. & Stern, Scott, 2014. "Clusters, convergence, and economic performance," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(10), pages 1785-1799.
    5. Mercedes Delgado & Michael E. Porter & Scott Stern, 2016. "Defining clusters of related industries," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 16(1), pages 1-38.
    6. Park, Jeong-Il & Lee, Sugie, 2017. "Examining the spatial patterns of green industries and the role of government policies in South Korea: Application of a panel regression model (2006–2012)," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 614-623.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Clusters; Employment growth; Sustainable development; Regional competitiveness; Economic inclusion;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L52 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Industrial Policy; Sectoral Planning Methods
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • O18 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Urban, Rural, Regional, and Transportation Analysis; Housing; Infrastructure
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth
    • J23 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Demand

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