The Role of Cluster Policy in Shaping Regional Competitiveness: The Case of Poland

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to identify the strategic goals of the implemented cluster policy in the EU and in Poland, using the example of a selected region, the Silesian Voivodeship. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using the data obtained from national documents on cluster policy, a comparative analysis was used for the research. Based on the conducted literature research, the following thesis was formulated: Cluster policy contributes to increasing the competitiveness of regions by stimulating cooperation in defining strategic development goals and cooperation in achieving these goals. Findings: The first part of the work presents the theoretical foundations of cluster policy, in particular its essence, definitions and division. Attention was also focused on the identification of documents relating to cluster policy in Poland. In the research part, the authors conducted a comparative analysis of selected documents concerning European and Polish cluster policy. Practical Implications: Formulating a cluster policy at the national and regional level that takes into account increasing the competitiveness of the region. Originality/value: In theoretical aspect, the paper organizes the current state of knowledge in the field of Polish cluster policy, in particular taking into account the Silesian Voivodeship. The presented research aspect is a source of knowledge about the competitiveness of the studied region, taking into account the applicable cluster policy. In the research part, the authors argue that it is important to properly adjust the cluster policy to a given region in order to increase the level of productivity, but above all the competitiveness of the entire economy.