A roadmap for the organization of the textile cluster has been developed in the Vitebsk region
The creation of an integrated structure for growing and processing flax based on the Orsha Flax Mill, the Institute of Flax of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, and the VSTU is envisaged by the Program of Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Belarus for 2021-2025. University staff, as a key entity of the future association, studied international experience, the role of the cluster phenomenon in building an innovative economy, and analyzed the specifics of cluster policy and the formation of cluster ties. The research results were used in the development of a comprehensive plan for the project implementation, which is strategically important for the Vitebsk region. Moreover, as the practice of other countries shows, a necessary condition in this process is the motivation of initiators and stakeholders, their understanding of the specifics of cluster functioning based on the cooperation and collaboration of competitors to achieve common goals, emphasized Galina Yasheva.
The first stage of the roadmap involves identifying potential cluster participants and forming the structure. In addition to the key organizations already mentioned, these may include flax processing plants, sewing enterprises, i.e., entities along the entire technological chain of transforming flax seeds into finished garments. Moreover, the experience of other countries shows that among the participants of successful textile clusters, the share of small and medium-sized businesses reaches 90% or more.
The second stage is the initiation of cluster creation. According to Galina Yasheva, it has actually been implemented in the Socio-Economic Development Program. This aligns with global practices where such projects emerge from top-down initiatives. The third stage involves conducting joint activities within the framework of the cluster initiative. Key entities and interested structures, including government bodies, should be responsible for their organization. The business community often lacks experience in building relationships based on competitive cooperation, which allows companies to interact, for example, in purchasing raw materials and supplies, promoting products in foreign markets, certification, and conducting marketing research, explained Galina Yasheva. Therefore, it is important to focus on educational and explanatory work so that economic entities voluntarily and consciously join the initiative.
The next stage requires the creation of an electronic platform to organize interaction among cluster participants, including for research and development projects. Various information databases and products can also be hosted there, specifically those of cluster participants and interested entities, legislative acts regulating this sphere, and other useful information. The development of the platform's prototype is currently underway at VSTU.
The final stage involves establishing cooperation among participants within the structure, as well as organizing inter-cluster interaction. For instance, for the Vitebsk textile cluster, partnership with food enterprises for the production of flaxseed oil, as well as several other areas, appears promising, added Galina Yasheva.
According to the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee's Economy Committee, medical and pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and composite clusters are operational in the region. They currently unite 25 organizations, and by 2025, their number is planned to increase to 30 entities. Furthermore, a woodworking cluster based on FEZ "Vitebsk" is under formation.