Sleepy villages and hidden champions: clusters and their interconnections in the Black Forest

This chapter presents a methodology for analysing regional clusters and their cross-cluster networks. The two-step study enables a deeper understanding of the regional innovation ecosystem in the Black Forest, facilitating the identification of functioning clusters and the revelation of information flows between them. The studies confirm structural weaknesses and challenges, but also offer ideas for clusters and companies to manage or even overcome them. The example of the Black Forest illustrates that rural areas can support and promote innovation ecosystems of significant intensity. Clusters can indeed exist and thrive in rural settings and are vital for their economic development. In addition, clusters and cluster organisations play a central role in addressing current and future transition challenges such as digitalisation, climate change, and demographic change. The collaboration among cluster organisations and a dynamic cross-cluster network serve as foundations for developing a holistic regional development strategy aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of regional companies in the global market. Finally, the study demonstrates the added value of cooperation in applied research between universities and companies, fostering closer ties with the regional economy and thereby enhancing the level of information exchange.