Thematic Microclusters
One effective way to work with a number of companies and other stakeholders with some common denominator is to form the companies into thematic microclusters.
The activities of the microclusters vary according to the needs of the members and according to the strategies of the facilitators, but common things among the goals are development of the business of the members and networking.
Finnish Nanocluster has been running a number of microclusters that reflect nicely the strongholds of nanotechnology expertise in Finland – both in academic research and in business. All the microclusters have newsletters or other means to deliver information and the more active ones organise seminars, partnering events and education.
Currently the active microclusters are running in the fields of:
Aerosols: Fine particle Forum
Fine particle forum is an active, independent and neutral network of stakeholders that are interested in fine particles and nanoparticles. More information: http://www.nanobusiness.fi/home/activities/microclusters/fine-particle-forum/
Surfaces and coatings: Nanosurface
NanoSurface@Otaniemi microcluster has been found to support the business that is based on the nanotechnology and surfaces. More information: http://www.nanobusiness.fi/home/activities/microclusters/nanosurface-otaniemi/
Printed electronics: PrintoCent
Moreinformation: www.printocent.net
Nanocluster is also setting up new microclusters in the fields of:
Photonics and optics: Photonics Finland
curretly the relevant is at: lccfinland.nettisivut.fi/
MEMS and microsystems: Microsystems cluster