Implementation of energy service contracts within territorial energy clusters

The possibilities and prospects of using energy service contracts as a way of organizing energy saving processes are considered. Taking into account the analysis of the dynamics of the conclusion of energy service contracts in the Russian Federation and the effect of their implementation, the main problems of application have been identified. It is shown that in conditions of a lack of investment resources for the modernization of electric power facilities, it is advisable to involve organizations for training personnel and enterprises of regional innovation infrastructure in the preparation and implementation of energy service contracts. A structural model of interaction between direct and indirect participants in the implementation of energy service contracts within the framework of territorial innovative energy clusters is proposed. When implementing the proposed model, the degree of validity of energy conservation management by government bodies, which can be carried out both through the cluster management center, and directly, increases significantly.

Basics of Formation of National Economic Policy in the System of Subsurface Management

The main features of the development of the mineral resource complex of the Russian Federation in the field of development of deposits of a number of metals are summarized; management tools for the mineral resource complex of a number of metal-producing industries of the Russian Federation are grouped; target settings for ensuring the sustainable development of metal-producing industries are formulated; a system of cluster management of the mineral-raw complex of metal-producing industries of the Russian Federation is proposed

INSIGHTS INTO INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES IN INTEGRATED CLUSTER MANAGEMENT

The article seeks to explore best practices of integrated cluster management in the EU countries. It is noted that modern business realia and business process internationalization have significantly raised the importance of cluster partnerships across the European Union member states. Given the factor of global competitiveness, the European Commission has begun to pay greater attention to the development of innovation capacity, primarily through closer interaction between industry clusters within the European Union. In this context, a number of projects and initiatives for the European intercluster partnerships development have been launched, along with implementing the European cluster programs that will promote the development of sectoral clusters and facilitate their entry into European markets by increasing the degree of their interaction. The purpose of this article is to provide insights into the European experience as to managing programs, initiatives and development trends in the area of integrated clusters. The study employs general scientific research methods, in particular, the method of logical generalization, methods of statistical analysis of EU initiatives and programs that foster cluster partnership building processes. The research findings on cluster partnership development programs in the EU have revealed the following key characteristics of successful cluster initiatives: harmonization of interests and specific needs of partnership participants, providing information support and lobbying; significance at both the regional and the national level; awareness of national executive authorities about cluster initiatives in the region or identification of promising areas for building cluster partnerships; participation in government targeted projects; active positioning at the regional, national and international levels; building a management team within a cluster framework, launching cluster development centres, etc. Based on the study results, it is observed that the modern settings of national industrial economy development have spurred the interest to cluster partnerships which are established to implement a common strategy. It is argued that the application of an international model of cluster partnership management, however successful it is, in the domestic realia will not necessarily lead to the desired outcomes, whereas the implementation of particular elements of best international practices in the context of shaping national cluster development patterns will allow using them as effective national economy drivers.

How Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Can Uptake the Sustainable Development Goals through a Cluster Management Organization: A Case Study

Even though many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) realize the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for their sustainable business development, they face difficulties when individually pursuing this target. This paper aims to provide cluster-based SMEs with a framework to facilitate the uptake of the SDGs through a cluster network model. By focusing on the case study of a furniture production Cluster Management Organization (CMO Habic a network-based approach to sustainability management is analyzed in order to integrate the SDGs framework into SMEs’ everyday language and day-to-day operations. Through a cluster model approach, industry-specific sustainability material issues are tackled jointly and with the aim of applying a common solution to a similar challenge, Lehi-ODS, an online sustainability management tool for SME self-evaluation, has been developed wherein the participating SMEs can gain an overarching knowledge about the UN 2030 Agenda, assess their own alignment with the SDGs and with respect to that of their peers, and prioritize initiatives to correctly deliver them. The main conclusion derived from the paper is that a CMO is deemed to be a valuable driver in identifying common sector-specific challenges of corporate sustainability and in addressing collectively the question of contributing to the SDGs.

A Proposed Theory of Symptom Cluster Management

Background: Symptom cluster management is in its early stages in many chronic and debilitating illnesses. The development of a proposed theory should be an initial step in advancing this area of interest.Objective: This article presents the development of a Proposed Theory of Symptom Cluster Management.Methods: The concept analysis, statement synthesis, and theory synthesis by Walker and Avant were used in the development of this proposed theory. A search from July to September 2020 for published empirical and theoretical articles was conducted in scientific databases, expanded on the web, and secondary references from identified articles.Results: The Proposed Theory of Symptom Cluster Management is both a descriptive and explanatory theory. The defining characteristics of symptom cluster management include the basic and effectiveness components. Antecedents for symptom cluster management include socio-demographic characteristics, symptom cluster characteristics, individual clinical characteristics, individual illness factors, and situational factors or symptom experience. The consequences are clustered as personal-related, health-related, social-related outcomes, and existential outcomes. Measurement tools for the antecedents and outcomes in symptom cluster management and the analytical and statistical strategies were considered. Relational statements were also identified. Theoretical assertions were advanced.Conclusion: The Proposed Theory of Symptom Cluster Management may provide a holistic approach because it integrates both the symptom cluster and management strategies. The concepts, statements including the complete representation of the proposed theory identified in this article, may provide cues to policymakers and clinical researchers towards the development of tailored interventions and programs.

The threat classification and evaluation of the economic security of the cluster

Subject. The article focuses on a set of external and internal factors that may cause risks and threats to clusters of business entities. We also discuss methodological aspects in evaluating the economic security of the cluster. Objectives. We construct the tiered classification of external and internal threats to the economic security of the cluster, articulate its evaluation technique based on the comprehensive approach to considering possible risks and threats arising from operations of cluster components. Methods. The study is based on general and special methods, such as the generalization, synthesis and analysis of scientific findings on the economic security of organizations, including clusters of such organizations. Unfolding the comprehensive approach to evaluating the economic security of clusters, we applied some techniques and methods, such as typification, identification, rating and scoring, indicative method, general analysis techniques. Results. We commented on the existing proceedings by foreign and Russian researchers on the evaluation of the economic security of business entities and relevant issues. The article classifies external and internal threats to the economic security of the cluster and points out their levels, groups and types. We summarized and examined the existing cluster evaluation techniques. The techniques were found to overlook the complex inner design of the cluster management. Conclusions and Relevance. As a result of the study, we formulated scientific and methodological clauses that would be interesting for the cluster management and help timely detect real economic threats, predict possible ones, find how their consequences can be eliminated, decide on administrative actions and perform them so as to ensure the sustainable development and the high level of the economic security of the cluster.