What drivers of change and cluster dynamics, in particular for energy clusters, are significant to cluster development and what revision might be needed for cluster theory?
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Energy Valley cluster and internationalisation.There is a need for more dynamic approaches to strategy development for clusters due to the complex internal and external environments that are part of clusters. The research introduced complex adaptive systems (CAS) approach to cluster theory where contextual analysis of clusters are an essential part of understanding cluster development. In-depth analyses of cluster dynamics and drivers of change in the context of the cluster would provide deeper understanding of cluster developments that will then feed into strategy development processes.
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Business landscapes are changing at global, regional and sectoral levels as well as the social and ecological contexts. In order to understand what these changes are and how clusters are dealing with these, the research explores drivers of change and cluster dynamics using a Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) approach. The research uses Energy Valley as its main case study to gain insights into these changes. The research has developed a conceptual framework for cluster development. One of the main reasons for this research is the signicance of clusters in the European Union’s competitiveness strategy, Innovation Union (EC, 2010).
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In 2024, the Dutch government set a new plan for offshore wind farms to become the Netherlands' largest power source by 2032, aiming for 21 GW of installed capacity. By 2050, they expect between 38 and 72 GW of offshore wind power to meet climate-neutral energy goals. Achieving this depends heavily on efficient wind turbines (WTs) operation, but WTs face issues like cavitation, bird strikes, and corrosion, all of which reduce energy output. Regular Inspection and Maintenance (I&M) of WTs is crucial but remains underdeveloped in current wind farms. Presently, I&M tasks are done by on-site workers using rope access, which is time-consuming, costly, and dangerous. Moreover, weather conditions and personnel availability further hinder the efficiency of these operations. The number of operational WTs is expected to rise in the coming years, while the availability of service personnel will keep on declining, highlighting the need for safer and more cost-effective solutions. One promising innovation is the use of aerial robots, or drones, for I&M tasks. Recent developments show that they can perform tasks requiring physical interaction with the environment, such as WT inspections and maintenance. However, the current design of drones is often task-specific, making it financially unfeasible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – providing services in WT inspection and maintenance- to adopt. Together with knowledge institutes, SMEs and innovation clusters, this project addresses these urgent challenges by exploring the question of how to develop a modular aerial robot that can be easily and intuitively deployed in offshore environments for inspecting and maintaining WTs to facilitate SMEs adoption of this technology? The goal is to create a modular drone that can be equipped with various tools for different tasks, reducing financial burdens for SMEs, improving worker safety, and facilitating efficient green energy production to support the renewable energy transition.
What new strategies, knowledge, skills and business models will businesses need; and what new policies and initiatives need to be developed to make the region ready for a successful future. Hanze will focus on innovation in energy transition and specially in small and medium businesses and their needs for the future.[Project in development]The project aims to maintain a competitive regional economy and to strengthen innovation support capacity by ensuring access to a strong and adaptable workforce with the necessary skills to support future growth. This will be done by increasing regional knowledge on future skills needs amongst SMEs and bridging existing skills gaps. Innovation support mechanisms and educational practices will be tested allowing for adjustments and the development of a robust future-proofed flexible system. The project will give authorities new tools within skills development, which are specially connected to the region's smart specialisation strategy. This will contribute to an increased innovation capacity in North Sea Region by aligning these two strategic elements in a regional perspective.Hanze will focus on strengthening new developments in energy transition by exploring growth potential of cross-border and cross-sectoral aspects. Expertise in value chain and systems innovations including cluster systems development and digital/other technologies will be leveraged to support exploration of growth potential and needs of the energy industry. HZ will co-create and evaluate new strategies, knowledge, skills and business models with clusters and businesses in energy transition sector.
The project aims to maintain a competitive regional economy and to strengthen innovation support capacity by ensuring access to a strong and adaptable workforce with the necessary skills to support future growth. This will be done by increasing regional knowledge on future skills needs amongst SMEs and bridging existing skills gaps. Innovation support mechanisms and educational practices will be tested allowing for adjustments and the development of a robust future-proofed flexible system. The project will give authorities new tools within skills development, which are specially connected to the region's smart specialisation strategy. This will contribute to an increased innovation capacity in North Sea Region by aligning these two strategic elements in a regional perspective.Hanze will focus on strengthening new developments in energy transition by exploring growth potential of cross-border and cross-sectoral aspects. Expertise in value chain and systems innovations including cluster systems development and digital/other technologies will be leveraged to support exploration of growth potential and needs of the energy industry. HZ will co-create and evaluate new strategies, knowledge, skills and business models with clusters and businesses in energy transition sector.
