Clusters as engines of sustainable employment growth in Romania1

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 institutionsin 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.