M. Papalová
Abstract: Small and medium-sized enterprises create alliances, associations, networks or clusters, for to obtain contracts, better use of production capacity, spreading the cost of marketing, etc. The highest stage of networking is chaining, such as by cluster for joint development and research. The cost of the innovation process significantly burden small firms than large firms.
The clusters generally operate small and medium-sized companies, but also large companies. Common activities bring positive and negative relationships and effects. In article will be examined cooperation of companies associated in clusters and universities, the influence of co-operation on companies innovation.
Universities play an important role in the development of innovation. Close cooperation between university and group of companies specialized in the one sector offers the possibility of improving knowledge and understanding of business processes and needs. This kind of cooperation causes firms benefit from the intellectual capital of students, which undoubtedly has an impact on the innovation potential of companies and on the other hand university graduates are better prepared for industry and study plans for students are better suited.
The results of questionnaire show, given the large number of applied research co-projects of companies and universities (more than 1/3 companies), that this cooperation affects the ability of firms to innovate and it makes sense to vigorously promote the cooperation of universities and companies.
Key words: Cluster, Innovation, University, Co-operation
Introduction
The basement of every economy are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs´). They occupy an important role as the largest employer, they can create jobs at low capital cost, are a source of innovation. SMEs´ can to decentralize business activity, help to the region 's growth
References: Audretsch, D. B.; Feldman, M. P., 1996: ‘R&D Spillovers and the Geography of Innovation and Production,’ American Economic Review 86, 630–640. 1996. Klastrové iniciativy, 2009: [online]. CzechInvest, 2009. [cit. 02.10.2008]. Dostupný na: http://www.czechinvest.org/klastrove-iniciativy. MALACH, A. Strategie regionů a rozvoj podnikání. Brno. Masarykova univerzita. 2004. ISBN 80-210-3520-X. Neužilová, I., 2006: Národní klastrová strategie 2005- 2008. MPO. [online]. [cit. 5- 04- 2009]. Dostupný na: http://www.mpo.cz/dokument6216.html. Pavelková, D., 2007: Klastry - šance pro rozvoj MSP . In: Moderní řízení. [on -line] cit. 2008-07-4. Dostupný na: http://modernirizeni.ihned.cz/c4-10065450-22378420-600000_d-klastry-sance-pro-rozvoj-msp. PAVELKOVÁ A KOL., 2009: Klastry a jejich vliv na výkonnost firem. Praha GRADA Publishing. 272 s. ISBN 978-80-247-2689-2. PORTER, M. E., 1990: The Competitive Advantage of Nations. New York: The Free Press. ISBN 0-684-84147-9. PORTER, M. E.. 1998: On Competition. Boston: Harvard Business School Press. ISBN 0-87584-795-1.