UDC 330 (075.8)
FORMATION OF EDUCATIONAL CLUSTERS OF THE REGION
K.M. Shchepakin, N.V. Zhukov
The necessity of referring to the cluster approach in education is considered, the algorithm of the methodology for the formation educational clusters region.
Keywords: cluster approach, educational cluster, regional economy, education, educational institutions
A necessary condition for the formation innovative economy is the modernization of the education system, which is the basis of dynamic economic growth and social development of society, a factor in the well-being of citizens and the security of the country.
The competition of various education systems has become a key element of global competition, requiring constant updating of technologies, accelerated development of innovations, and rapid adaptation to the demands and requirements of a dynamically changing world. At the same time, the possibility of obtaining a quality education continues to be one of the most important life values citizens, a decisive factor in social justice and political stability.
Renovation of organizational and economic mechanisms at all levels of the education system will ensure its compliance with promising trends economic development and social needs, will increase the practical orientation of the industry, its investment attractiveness.
One of such mechanisms in the development of the system vocational education the most important is the cluster approach based on interaction, partnership, cooperation, dialogue between stakeholders: educational institutions, employers, authorities, public organizations. One of the forms of cooperation is the creation of educational clusters in the regions.
The need to resort to the cluster approach is explained by the advantages of the cluster as organizational form uniting the efforts of interested parties in order to increase the efficiency of the regional system of vocational education.
The cluster approach to the development of education is understood as the mutual and self-development of the subjects of the cluster "in the process of working on the problem", carried out on the basis of sustainable development of partnerships that enhance the specific benefits of both individual participants and the cluster as a whole.
A cluster is a set of subjects acting in concert on the basis of a common goal, which are united by certain contractual relations that determine the roles of subjects and regulate their activities.
An educational cluster is, on the one hand, a set of interrelated institutions of vocational education, united by industry and partnerships with industry enterprises; on the other hand, a system of training, mutual learning and self-learning tools in the innovation chain of science-technology-business, based mainly on horizontal links within the chain.
In the course of using the cluster approach to the education system, it is necessary to be guided by the following theoretical and methodological provisions:
A cluster is understood as a system of geographically concentrated, mutually complementary market entities belonging to different industries, integrated with the aim of simultaneous and interconnected solution of protection problems. environment and production tasks based on innovative technologies;
- "clusters are a form of network observed within geographical region in which the proximity of firms and organizations provides certain forms of community and increases the frequency and level of interaction ";
The last definition of a cluster as a form of a network characterizes an important aspect of the cluster phenomenon, which is of fundamental practical importance in identifying clusters and forming their system;
Clusters are characterized by varying degrees of maturity and development. They can be classified into "strong", "stable", "potential", "latent";
A strong cluster is characterized by an efficient structure that reflects the most important stages of the production cycle, high competition and active interaction between participants that create sustainable competitive advantages;
A stable cluster is characterized by the fact that the cluster structure is developing steadily, however, at present, a critical mass of production potential has not been accumulated to obtain significant benefits from agglomeration, there is an active intra-cluster interaction;
The potential cluster has a very fragmented structure, but it is intensively developing;
Latent cluster - there are only separate cluster structures, there are not enough stable communicative relationships;
- "clusters arise where there is a base of local advantages for their construction";
- "most clusters organize themselves, sometimes in spite of the actions of the state...".
"Cluster development efforts should go through the achievement of competitive advantages and specialization, and not through the repetition of what is already present in other regions. This requires building clusters on local differences and sources of necessary advantages, turning them into strong points of this cluster" . Modern clusters are usually networks that span several industries and include a variety of firms specializing in a particular link in the chain of creation of a particular final product or products and/or services.
Thus, when implementing the cluster approach, there are several key points. This presence:
common purpose;
Legal basis for joint activities of entities;
Developed mechanisms for interaction between entities uniting in a cluster;
The mechanism for managing the implementation of the cluster approach;
Technologies for implementing the cluster approach in accordance with the declared common goals.
The cluster approach is not something completely new for the education system. It represents the development of a systematic approach in relation to economic growth, having a point character in nature, it has the following specific features that should be taken into account at the regional level:
Competitive advantage in clusters is created by the joint efforts of participants or collectively;
A critical mass of highly skilled human resources is the number one priority for clustering;
The cluster approach is based on new theory economic growth, which considers the increasing return on the accumulation of knowledge and, as a result, the growth of investment in new technologies and human capital as the main factor in development;
The starting point is the study of clustering processes. Identification of regional educational clusters, their mechanisms of functioning and development.
The Tula region is one of the most dynamic regions of Russia, for the mentality of the population of which the term "cluster" is not something completely new.
The analysis of the region's clusters is the first stage in the formation of educational clusters, cluster policy. Cluster analysis for
takes an intermediate place between two forms of economic analysis. It does not focus on systemic problems at the macroeconomic level. At the same time, cluster analysis is not aimed at studying individual companies. Companies are not treated as separate units of study. They are researched in the context of local conditions, supplier and consumer markets, usually as part of a produced value chain that includes several industries. The advantage of cluster analysis is that it is not limited to the traditional classification of production activities. Consequently, the formation of a system of clusters, cluster policy is not a traditional sectoral policy, because cluster analysis tools define clusters not only within traditional industries.
It should be taken into account that traditional research methods do not allow distinguishing a simple concentration of industry from a functioning cluster. The current dynamics of the cluster is difficult to traditional methods, as it is often carried out in the form of activities of public associations and informal associations.
The effectiveness of clusters depends on the established traditions of interaction, the level of trust between their members. The absence or underdevelopment of traditions (standards) and mechanisms of interaction is hallmark latent and potential clusters, although, perhaps, these traditions have been formed to a certain extent and continue to improve. For stable and strong clusters, the presence of traditions or standards of interaction is natural. Therefore, research methods should be aimed specifically at identifying informal standards of interaction.
The essence of the theoretical and methodological provisions underlying the formation of educational clusters in the region is as follows:
Clusters initially need to be identified based on the identification of their network of interrelated, complementary organizations belonging to different sectors of the economy;
It is necessary to explore the "inputs" and "outputs" of organizations as a system;
When identifying clusters, it must be borne in mind that they may differ in their level of development, i.e. can be strong, stable, latent;
It is necessary, first of all, to determine the local unique advantages of clusters, informal relationships and implicit knowledge.
Let us consider the scheme for the formation of educational clusters in the Tula region in more detail as a kind of description of an algorithmic type. At the same time, we will focus on the use of methods that allow you to
to reveal "informal relations" and implicit knowledge with minimal resources.
Preparatory stage aims to ensure the effective implementation of the following steps:
Stage II - identification of clusters available in the region (strong, stable, potential, latent);
III - involving the creation of educational clusters in full, realizing the multiplicative effect of clusters.
At the first stage, the following operations are performed:
Determining the need, motivation in the formation of educational clusters;
Development of a strategy for the formation of educational clusters;
Creation of a working group for the formation of educational clusters.
At the second stage, the following operations are carried out:
Identification of regional clusters;
Selection of clusters.
At stage III, the following operations are carried out:
Definition of a system of clusters based on their complementarity (complementarity);
Development of a system of measures to support and develop the cluster system.
These operations form a kind of algorithm for research and practical implementation of their results.
When performing the first operation, the region's need for the formation of educational clusters as a whole is determined. Given that the economy of Russia and its regions is developing in the context of globalization, and clusters are created primarily to increase international competitiveness, when determining the need for the formation of agrarian clusters, their global aspect is taken into account. For example, the severity of the food problem, food shortages, agricultural inflation.
The second operation involves the development of a competitive strategy, which is the core of determining the competitive advantages of agricultural production. Therefore, a certain strategy for the formation of agrarian clusters must also be developed, capable of taking into account the creation of a unique and advantageous position, providing for a certain set of activities. The idea of competitive strategy can be summed up in the words "to be different." This means a unique choice of a system of activities, adequate to the conditions of the region, which will ensure the unique nature of the value created.
The strategic position is based on:
A wide range of goods and services;
needs;
Access to factors of production;
Combining all sources of strategic position.
The essence of strategic positioning is the choice of activities that are different from those of competitors. It is considered insufficient to choose a unique position, since it is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the advantage. Profitability of the position will encourage competitors to imitate. A strategic position will not be viable until compromises have been made in relation to other positions. Trade-offs arise when activities are incompatible. In our opinion, the strategic choice of activities is the foundation of not only the competitive advantage of agricultural clusters, but also the sustainability of this advantage, and, consequently, the prospects for the development of clusters. It is much more difficult for competitors to copy a system of intertwined activities than it is to imitate one or more unique activities. The more the positioning of the agrarian cluster is based on a system of activities, the more stable the competitive advantage of agrarian clusters will be. The strategy in its final form should represent a certain algorithm of actions leading to the desired result - the formation of an effective system of agrarian clusters in the future.
The final (third operation) of stage I provides for the creation of an initiative working group to form a system and / or individual agricultural clusters in the context of this system. In this initiative working group includes all potential members of the cluster, benefiting from its occurrence. The initiative group may include heads of organizations - potential participants in the cluster, for example, heads of C (F) X, heads of agricultural enterprises, processing enterprises, government officials, etc.
At the second stage of cluster identification, two operations are carried out: the first is the identification of regional clusters, the second is their selection.
When performing the first operation, an external analysis is carried out: export industries, clusters of the regional economy are determined. In this case, the classification of clusters into strong, stable, potential, latent ones is used.
At the second step of this operation, an "internal" analysis of the region's economy is carried out: its opportunities (potential), threats and weaknesses are determined, i.e. SWOT-analysis is carried out. To determine the significance of clusters, a set of quantitative characteristics is used, including, in particular, the share of funds received in the course of R&D, indicators of the quality of education, the dynamics of the number of people employed in the cluster, innovations, and informal relations.
Based on the nature of clusters, the most effective analysis of clusters can be performed using a set of techniques for qualitative and quantitative research of clusters (Table 1).
Table 1
Cluster analysis techniques
Techniques Advantages Disadvantages
Interviews, questionnaires, expert assessments Relatively low costs; Obtaining valuable, key information Mostly qualitative information is obtained, not always detailed
Graph theory/network analysis Visual analysis of relationships Limited set of computer programs
Special survey Ensures the collection of the necessary information High costs
Localization coefficients Ease of calculation; complements other methods Characterize mainly industries, not clusters
SWOT analysis Systematic presentation of data; contributes to the search for complementarity of industries, clusters Static when there is a lack of necessary data
It is necessary to emphasize the particular importance of qualitative techniques for identifying potential and latent clusters. Along with this, it is advisable to focus on the limitations of the popular method of identifying regional clusters, which is the calculation of localization coefficients. The localization coefficient is the ratio specific gravity employment of the population in certain industries: for example, the share of the industry to the total number of employed in the region in relation to the share of the same industry to the share of the same industry in the total number of employed in the country as a whole. A localization coefficient (CL) of 1.0 means that the given region has the same share in terms of employment as the country as a whole. A localization coefficient of more than 1.25 indicates the specialization of the region in this sector of the economy.
The traditional use of localization coefficients does not provide complete, exhaustive information about regional clusters. This is a sectoral method of analysis and therefore does not reveal the relationship between various sectors of the economy. This method must be used in combination with other methods of cluster analysis.
The second step of stage II of the scheme for the formation of a system of agrarian clusters is the preliminary selection of identified clusters for the creation of such, their support and development.
At stage III, the formation of educational clusters is carried out, their linking into a single system with other clusters, for example, industrial clusters, which are not only regional, but primarily all-Russian, and in the near future will have an ever-increasing international significance.
On the this stage perform more in-depth study selected target clusters, since they cannot be identified instantly due to the mismatch of clusters with existing industry and statistical classifications.
In view of the fact that the cluster was previously defined by M. Porter as a "network form", it is advisable to evaluate the target clusters in terms of the composition and number of participants, their significance, as well as the links between the participants (quantity, quality, frequency, dynamics, etc. connections) . Landmarks for an in-depth study of target clusters are given in Table. 2.
table 2
Estimates of the process of creating a network within a cluster
Aspects of Network Display Methods of Measurement
Network subjects Dynamics, number of cluster participants. Their significance. Industry affiliation of the cluster members. Characteristics of participants, incl. their complementarity. Possibility to increase/reduce the number of participants
Links in the network Dynamics of the number of links. The quality of connections. Relationship characteristics. Frequency, duration and content of contacts. Possibility to increase/reduce the number of connections
Clusters arise and develop where there is a base of local competitive advantages. Regional competitive advantage is understood as resources and factors that allow (enable) the business and government of the region to get ahead of others in achieving their goals. Identification and evaluation of competitive advantages are of fundamental importance, since the development of clusters should go through the achievement of competitive advantages and specialization, and not through the repetition of what is already present in other regions. Benchmarks for assessing competitive advantages within clusters are presented in Table. 3.
Table 3
Benchmarks for assessing competitive advantages within a cluster
Competitive advantage Measurement method
Personnel qualification level Study of the personnel qualification level within the cluster. Accounting for competency needs.
Technology of Excellence Reputation for specialized research within the cluster. The volume of R&D carried out by organizations that are members of the cluster. Commercialization of R&D results
Support system for the creation of new firms Evaluation of the availability of venture capital for the formation of new firms. Evaluation of the availability (cost) of production assets. Overview of institutional support for cluster development and attitudes towards business
Unique, local Unique knowledge, skills, abilities, technologies. Unique qualifications of employees. Local Resources
Of course, the data in Table 3 don't exhaust everything possible options that may occur during the course of the study. Therefore, they are referred to as "landmarks".
Competitive clusters have the following characteristics:
A stable (or leading) position in the market;
Technological superiority over competitors and the ability to innovate;
The ability to self-renewal, since clusters cannot exist, much less develop, without self-government and self-development.
In table. 4 shows the main elements of the competitiveness of clusters.
Table 4
Options for assessing various aspects of competitiveness
clusters
Type of competitiveness Indicator used Method of measurement
Market position Presence in the regional market Dynamics of the cluster share in the regional market
Export development (acceptance of foreign students) Export growth for the cluster
New markets for exports Number of new markets in which cluster member firms are present
Technological excellence Reputation Survey of subject matter experts on the R&D value of this cluster
Development of new educational services Number of significant new services
Skill level of specialists Dynamics of skill level in comparison with other clusters
Ability to develop Formation of new firms Dynamics of the number of organizations in the cluster
Inclusion of foreign firms Volume (and quality) of foreign investment within the cluster
Economic activity Dynamics of the cluster share in the gross regional product
After an in-depth study of the selected clusters, all its results are presented in the form of SWOT analysis tables (opportunities, threats, strengths and weaknesses), on the basis of which the final assessment of the clusters is made and their complementarity is ensured, which allows developing measures for the development of educational clusters in Tula areas.
