Unleashing the power of clustering: a qualitative study of cluster organizations’ role in advancing green transformation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to ascertain how cluster organisations have been fostering green transformation in Poland.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a multiple case study approach. Data collection methods involved in-depth interviews with cluster organisation managers and researchers to identify support measures for green transformation and to investigate the factors influencing their actions as well as a comprehensive analysis of documents, including cluster organisations‘ strategies.

Findings

Cluster organisations manage and participate in actions that create favourable conditions for pursuing low-carbon and circular economy ventures. They not only assist their members in overcoming obstacles related to green transformation but also engage non-members – which can lead to spillovers reaching beyond their borders. Their engagement takes place across all phases of the green transformation process.

Research limitations/implications

For various reasons, the research was designed as qualitative to understand the opinions and experiences of various actors engaged in green transformation within cluster organisations’ ecosystems. The key factor influencing this decision stems from the fact that knowledge of the involvement of cluster organisations in supporting green transformation still needs to be completed and scattered. The limitations of the study include limited access to information and the fact that qualitative research allows for a certain amount of subjectivity, and the results should be generalised carefully. Moreover, the interviews were carried out with a non-random sample of participants. Another limitation of the study is related to biased views, which could have been shared by interviewees acting as representatives of the studied cluster organisations.

Practical implications

Cluster organisations have emerged as drivers of circular transition by promoting sustainable practices such as material recycling, biological recovery and parts harvesting. These initiatives contribute to reducing waste, conserving resources, and minimising the environmental footprint of industries. These organisations can be active agents of transformation, orchestrating collaborative efforts that have a far-reaching impact on industries and economies.

Originality/value

This is one of the first and most comprehensive studies on the role of cluster organisations in Poland in supporting green transformation. This paper identifies and systematises the actions undertaken to provide a clear understanding of the internal processes within cluster organisations.

Citation

Mackiewicz, M. and Kuberska, D. (2024), "Unleashing the power of clustering: a qualitative study of cluster organizations’ role in advancing green transformation", Competitiveness Review, Vol. 34 No. 5, pp. 916-934. https://doi.org/10.1108/CR-03-2023-0069

1. Introduction

Most recently, two political agreements – the Paris Agreement (UNFCCC, 2015) and the Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations, 2015) – have been responsible for sustainability and green transformation gaining more traction as crucial global issues. At the European Union (EU) level, the idea of supporting green transformation has been further reinforced by the approval of the European Green Deal (EGD) – a political commitment aiming at a “modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy” (European Commission, 2019).

Clusters (geographic concentrations of interconnected companies and institutions in a particular field (Porter, 1998) have been recognised by the European Commission as important actors implementing the EGD. Because clusters are part of regional ecosystems, they uniquely promote green transformation at the local level (European Commission, 2019). This approach is also reflected in the work of the Expert Group on Clusters, whose recommendation report assigned clusters the role of initiators of change, inspiring and supporting businesses in green transformation (European Commission and Expert Group on Clusters, 2021). Since then, a green reorientation of clusters has been observed (Sjøtun and Njøs, 2019).

The largely descriptive nature of the research findings in this study can be attributed to the relative novelty of the focus on cluster organisations in green transformation. As this area of investigation is still emerging within the academic discourse, our study serves as an initial exploration into the role of cluster organisations in fostering green transformation. Given the limited existing literature on this specific topic, our research primarily provides a foundational understanding and description of the practices and activities undertaken by cluster organisations in the context of green transformation.

Poland is very relevant for investigating the role of clustering in green transformation, as public policy in this field is insufficient to reach the EGD goals. A study by Stankevičienė et al. (2020) found that Poland is ranked as one of the least developed countries in the Baltic Sea region in the green and circular economy context. Moreover, Poland is lagging behind other European countries in implementing climate goals for 2030 and 2050. The circular material use rate in Poland in 2020 was 9.9% while the mean for the EU was 12.8%; renewable energy as a percentage of gross final energy consumption was 16.1% compared to 22.1%; zero-emission vehicles constituted, respectively, 0.8% and 5.3% of newly registered cars (Eurostat, 2022).

The country's accession to the EU initiated cluster policy in Poland. In a short period, numerous cluster organisations were formed (Kuberska and Mackiewicz, 2022). There is no official register of cluster organisations in Poland, but their number was estimated at over 130 in 2016 (PAED, 2016), and, currently, it is estimated at approximately 70 (Cluster Collaboration Platform, 2022). A particular group of cluster organisations in Poland comprises Key National Clusters – the most mature cluster organisations of great importance to the economy. There are currently 20 of them (Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, 2023). A significant change in the current Polish cluster policy strategy was a cluster-based development approach (Choińska-Jackiewicz et al., 2020) which opened space for cluster organisations to implement tasks mandated by public institutions. This strategic document lists circular economy and low-carbon economy among the areas where cluster-based policy will be implemented.

The concepts of clusters and cluster organisations have been incorporated into various research questions across academic literature. Recently, the narrative on clustering and cluster-focused research has been reassessed (Lazzaretti et al., 2019) and expanded due to the need to revise the above concepts concerning current economic phenomena, including twin transition. Sustainability-related topics are becoming more prominently featured in the research stream on clusters (Chaminade and Randelli, 2020; Sedita and Blasi, 2021) – an occurrence aimed at answering burning research questions and tightening various research gaps identified thus far (Fraske, 2022). Despite the growing interest in topics related to green transformation (e.g. Hermans, 2021; Zen et al., 2022), the literature on the role of clusters and cluster organisations in this process is still modest and lacks discussions (Sjøtun and Njøs, 2019). Therefore, the research objective undertaken in this study is to ascertain how cluster organisations have been fostering green transformation in Poland, while the research question addressed in this study is the following: What is the role of cluster organisations in green transformation, and what are the forms of activities undertaken by cluster organisations that facilitate it?

This paper is structured as follows. In the following section, a literature review is performed, which initially focuses on green transformation as a process and then moves on to the role of clusters and cluster organisations in supporting a shift towards a green future. The following section is devoted to the research objectives and an explanation of the designed research methodology. The paper then presents the results of the conducted study and conclusions drawn from the case of selected cluster organisations in Poland.

2. Theoretical background

2.1 Green transformation

A string of consecutive crises of different origins, scopes and effects has recently shaped the contemporary outlook of achieving future economic development. They triggered several calls to discover how to foresee them (Alessi and Detken, 2011), what structural changes are necessary to become more resilient to them (Compagnucci et al., 2022), and how to sustain and expand the quality of living without further depleting the finite natural resources. All these issues are embedded in the concept of a green economy which has yet to be defined in one agreed manner. Nevertheless, it has emerged as an essential policy framework for sustainable development (Georgeson et al., 2017). The United Nations Environment Programme (2011, p. 02) working definition of a green economy is “one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.” However, the concept “does not replace sustainable development, but there is now a growing recognition that achieving sustainability rests almost entirely on getting the economy right” (p. 02). In other words, a green economy is socially inclusive, low-carbon and resource-efficient.

Transformation has emerged as a term closely associated with a green economy. For Matyas and Pelling (2015), transformation is a fundamental change to the functioning of systems and one of three pathway choices for adaptation (the other two being resistance and incremental adjustment). According to Pelling et al. (2015, p. 114), transformative actions “have the reach to shift existing systems (and their component structures, institutions and actor positions) onto alternative development pathways”.

Green transformation has become one of the foremost topics among policymakers as well as a concept pursued by the research community (e.g. Pelling, 2011; Kates et al., 2012; Feola, 2015; Pelling et al., 2015; Gillard et al., 2016) meaning that “talk on transformation is back in vogue” (Scoones et al., 2015, p. 1). Increased interest in green transformation as a research topic goes back up to two decades. The term is used interchangeably with the term green transition in recent conceptual and empirical contributions, while some authors (e.g. Stirling (2015)) differentiate them. According to data from the Google Books Ngram Viewer (Google, 2022) (which analyses the occurrence of phrases in the Google Books corpus of books until 2019), the increment in the number of books containing the phrase “green transformation” began around 2006. At the same time, the Web of Science Core Collection database (Clarivate, 2022) identifies about 19.2 thousand publications in which “green transformation” appears in either the title, abstract or among the keywords.

Definitions of green transformation are versatile, and many approaches to achieving it accompany the divergence among them. For Cheba et al. (2022, p. 108601), green transformation is about “combining economic growth with caring about the environment in order to guarantee a high quality of life for present and future generations at the level which is attainable due to civilisational development, as well as to an effective and rational use of the available resources”. Wu et al. (2022, p. 11200) perceive green transformation as an “emerging strategy in sustainable development” which “can help to coordinate ecological, social, and economic growth by optimising resource usage” while Xie and Han (2022) find it to be a new approach to achieve economic sustainability by balancing economic and environmental performance. Green transformation is a set of actions undertaken to deal with environmental degradation and depletion of natural resources to achieve sustainable development.

As a relatively new phenomenon, green transformation faces several challenges which occur at the company level (e.g. Ghazilla et al., 2015; Karuppiah et al., 2020; Makki et al., 2020) or the consumer level (e.g. White et al., 2019). Some of them originate from the fact that companies and consumers must be convinced that the new “green” approach will benefit them even though the benefit might not be clear and tangible from today’s perspective. As a multi-layered concept, green transformation is impacted by a set of favourable and inhibiting factors whose impact can be observed at the microeconomic level and across industries or geographies. This fact calls for evaluating which entities can positively impact green transformation and elaborating on the complexity of transformation.

2.2 The role of clusters and cluster organisations in the process of green transformation

Sustainability has become the focal point in current research agendas across various disciplines, and it is addressed at the intersection of many topics, including the concept of creating shared value (CSV) proposed by Porter and Kramer (2011). CSV intertwines societal and economic progress, and according to its theoretical foundations, opportunities originating in CSV can be created by reconceiving products and markets, redefining productivity in the value chain or enabling local cluster development. By incorporating the CSV approach businesses can address fundamental societal needs (of different kind, including those related to sustainability and green transformation) through business models and impact their relationships with other companies, government and NGOs in addressing social issues. Those relationships can be fundamental for achieving CSV goals, therefore, managing them in a proper manner is crucial. Various studies have so far been conducted to deepen the understanding of how CSV is implemented and how this process can be managed. Notably, Alberti and Belfanti (2021) through using the case study method delved into an example of a successful configuration of innovative CSV business strategies. In additional, some studies have investigated cases that shed light into the role of clusters in achieving CSV objectives (Alberti and Belfanti, 2019; Collazzo Yelpo and Kubelka, 2019; Martinidis et al., 2021) proving that clusters can provide a fertile ground for CSV strategies. However, most of those studies are local in nature.

Microeconomic conditionings of sustainability are embedded within clusters as the main effect of agglomeration in clusters can lead to productivity gains (Moretti, 2021) but also cluster activity can improve the functioning of entities located within them through increased profits, development of innovations, expansion of sales markets and improvement of international competitiveness (Jankowska and Götz, 2017). Clusters are linked with two other concepts: cluster initiatives and cluster organisations. While cluster initiatives are understood as organised efforts to enhance clusters’ competitiveness (Sölvell et al., 2003), cluster organisations are formalised entities encompassing a network of relationships between their members who appoint a coordinator (manager) who represents the entire network and manages specific processes within it. Cluster organisations should facilitate cluster growth, and although various authors and policymakers agree with this statement, it is not entirely clear how and through what kind of activities cluster organisations can achieve this, given the different circumstances surrounding them (Anić et al., 2022). Several studies have already been published to validate cluster organisations as economic actors bringing positive change, especially in areas such as innovation (Bröcker et al., 2003; Engel, 2014; Kamath et al., 2022; Kowalski, 2022). However, the issue of cluster organisations as institutions that impact green transformation has not comprehensively been addressed. According to Davies (2013, p. 1285), they “represent potential, albeit provisional, assemblages for transformation”, while Schot and Steinmueller (2018) notice that clusters are perceived by some as an outmoded policy instrument and, therefore, their role in sustainability transformations is implicitly downplayed. Others indicate that clusters play a fundamental role in shaping institutional conditions to create multi-dimensional aspects of transformation towards a green economy (Hatch et al., 2017) and can act as agents for transformative change and work against its obstacles – lack of answerability, lack of labour adaptation to sustainability as well as path dependency to growth (Berkowitz and Gadille, 2023). Generally, “actors and agency are considered important elements in transitions” (Fischer and Newig, 2016, p. 476).

Within the European Union, new calls emerge for “agents of change” regarding green transformation (European Commission and Expert Group on Clusters, 2021), and cluster organisations are becoming more firmly perceived as drivers of change in twin transition (Morisson and Pattinson, 2021). This is a result of many attributes of cluster organisations. One of their unique features is that they are platforms enabling collaboration. As green collaboration is perceived as a factor contributing to the acceleration of “the move to a more efficient and sustainable regional ecosystem” while “positively affecting regional development and growth” (De Noni et al., 2021, pp. 17–18), cluster organisations may serve this purpose by leading to initiation and development of green collaboration (Mignon and Kanda, 2018). Another process they impact is the diffusion of green practices (within an agglomeration it can occur through direct observation, face-to-face interactions and labour mobility; Lu et al., 2021). Another favourable circumstance in a cluster organisation is the internal competition between members. Clusters are significant in green transformation, as they allow companies to go beyond their boundaries and access a broad spectrum of knowledge and relevant technological competencies (De Noni et al., 2021).

3. Research design and data sources

As mentioned in the introduction, the approach of the study is exploratory. The process of gathering and analysing data took the form of a narrative inquiry (Wells, 2011) using a semi-structured questionnaire placed in a case study research design. The purpose of this approach was to reveal the unique perspectives of the analysed cluster organisations and to give voice to the people embedded in their activities while focusing on interpreting their core first-person narratives. A multiple case study research method has been selected because such approach is used when it is not feasible or desirable to create a comparison group or control group (which is justified in the case of cluster organisations as their number is limited). The difference between a single case study and a multiple case study is that the latter examines multiple cases to understand their differences and similarities between them (Baxter and Jack, 2008; Stake, 1995). According to Yin (2014), a multiple case study works well for testing or improving theory. The generalisability of results from case studies comes from the theory, not the population.

The research procedure followed the approach of Yin (2014) and included six research steps: planning, design, preparation, data collection, data analysis and reporting. According to the case study methodology, data are drawn from a variety of sources, both secondary and primary. Primary sources of information usually include in-depth individual interviews and secondary sources include documents, strategies and websites. The authors analysed published documents, reports and materials provided by cluster organisations, including strategies and descriptions of implemented projects.

In the planning stage, a literature review on green transformation was carried out. The next step was to prepare data collection procedures (selection of respondents and arranging the interviews, preparation of the interview scenario). The next stage was data collection. The authors designed and tested two interview questionnaires used during in-depth interviews. Testing was carried out by inviting two researchers and two cluster organisation managers to provide independent feedback on the first version of the respective questionnaires. The in-depth interviews with cluster organisation managers were conducted in 2021 and 2022. The data was acquired and organised using two types of fieldnotes (descriptive fieldnotes created throughout the data collection process and reflective fieldnotes created afterwards). Manual coding was performed, and the content was sorted to notice relevant phenomena (Seidel and Kelle, 1995). By following this approach to coding the authors were able to pay closer attention to the language and the meaning of details embedded in the collected material. Furthermore, it allowed for more control and flexibility during the coding process.

This was followed by data evaluation and analysis. Coding took place following a deductive (top-down) approach in which a codebook was established prior to reading of the gathered material and applying the codes to text excerpts. The codebook included two themes of codes – the first related to the types of green transformation activities performed by cluster organisations regarding low-carbon economy and circular economy, and the second related to green transformation activities and the green transformation process. Both themes were embedded in the study’s research question.

In line with qualitative research methodology, purposeful case selection was used. According to Lee (1989), conclusions from one case can be generalised to other cases with similar characteristics. Conversely, conducting further case studies may confirm these conclusions in other circumstances.

The focus was on key national clusters – cluster organisations that play a significant role in Poland and are selected in a competitive procedure managed by the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology. These cluster organisations must prove that they provide professional services to their members and some services that serve the public. During the initial period of the study, there were 15 key national clusters in Poland, from which eight cluster organisations agreed to participate in the study and were interviewed (Table 1).

The respondents participated in semi-structured interviews to collect information on cluster organisations’ contributions to the advancement of green transformation, specific initiatives or projects that cluster organisations have undertaken to promote sustainable practices and technologies and motivate cluster organisation members to adhere to sustainable practices and environmental targets. The questionnaire comprised 15 questions, and the interviews took between 50 and 60 min. The questions concerned the nature of the undertaken activities, attempts to deliver new circular or low-carbon economy solutions and the results of such activities. The questions also focused on projects related to the green economy and how cluster organisation managers promote green solutions among their members.

To provide another perspective on cluster organisations’ role in green transformation, additionally three representatives of the science sector were interviewed. The snowball sampling method was used to select the relevant individuals who possess insights and information based on collaboration with the cluster organisation. This method included respondents’ opinions who would not be selected through traditional sampling techniques. Triangulation of data with existing sources and careful selection of respondents increases the credibility of research findings (Curtin and Fossey, 2007).

4. Research results and discussion

4.1 Unravelling green transformation practices in cluster organisations

To assist the green transformation, the investigated cluster organisations have developed various services for companies. The evidence of how particular cluster organisations act to foster green transformation is presented below.

Cluster organisations facilitate research on artificial intelligence concerning learning systems in the energy and heating sectors by assisting their members in applying for public funds. Cluster organisation A researched to develop a group of low-emission solid fuel heating boilers with the possibility of using waste energy, which will be characterised by low emission of pollutants and high energy efficiency.

A cluster organisation member of cluster organisation B, in cooperation with academia, developed a very efficient carbon dioxide (CO₂) technology for methanol conversion. This technology can help reduce greenhouse gas (and other harmful emissions) and decarbonise all industrial sectors. The cluster organisation assists the company in further development and demonstrating technology efficiency.

Cluster organisation B has two buildings equipped with renewable energy systems and several innovative solutions reducing energy consumption, low emissions and waste generation. Both buildings feature 10 kW and 40 kW photovoltaic installations, heat pumps and a mechanical ventilation system with recuperation, that is, heat recovery, a rainwater recovery system for flushing toilets and an automated building control system – building management system. In cluster organisation C, a trigeneration source with a capacity of 0.6 MWe, consisting of two gas engine co-generators cooperating with an absorption chiller using process waste heat, was launched.

Cluster organisation D is the co-author of the inter-ministerial concept of Local Energy Clusters. The goal of energy clusters is the development of distributed energy. They serve to improve local energy security in a manner ensuring economic efficiency in an environmentally friendly manner.

Cluster organisation D created a VC Fund which invests in technologies ensuring a carbon footprint reduction effect. The investment strategy focuses on start-ups and enterprises planning follow-on investments. The main area of the fund's interest are technologies supporting decarbonisation and MedTech, understood as the development and implementation of products and services that are important in the process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere and telemedicine and diagnostic solutions (including diagnostics support), tests, expert systems, supporting image recognition, ensuring data protection and integrity.

In cluster organisation E, initiatives focus on evaporating hazardous liquid waste and recovery of water, for example, the application of membrane techniques in wastewater treatment technology. The wastewater is treated with the reverse osmosis technique, which enables the removal of up to 99% of salts dissolved in water. The pure water recovery rate in the membrane system is up to 80%. Pure water obtained from the process is directed to the storage tank and then to the technological lines.

Cluster organisation F focuses on waste collection from machining and abrasive machining processes. The waste is transferred to scrap purchase facilities or other companies for reuse. Recycling of production waste and its reintegration into the production process is a common practice.

As part of the cluster organisation G activities, a new technology for fertilisation of arable crops in agriculture was developed and implemented. The technology uses municipal, agricultural and industrial waste to produce a new generation of granulated organic and mineral fertilisers. The practical result of developing the new technology is the production of fertilisers from waste materials such as sewage sludge, ash from brown coal, ash waste and waste biomass from biogas plants. The technology has a wide range of applications and contributes to improving the waste balance. Apart from municipal sewage treatment plants and biogas plants, the technology may be used by agri-food industry companies such as abattoirs, packing plants, breeding farms, food production companies, breweries, distilleries, dairies and others.

Cluster organisation H cooperates with institutions running the Observatory on Environmental Protection and Materials – a regional institution established as a response to the needs reported by stakeholders of the innovation ecosystem in terms of creating a modern mechanism for monitoring the effects of innovative development of pro-environmental technologies. The Observatory focuses on collecting and processing specialist knowledge in the area of environmental protection technologies and monitoring technological and economic trends. The cluster organisation participates in the regional network of knowledge and competence exchange. Cluster organisation members provide up-to-date information and knowledge on activities, allowing for the product life cycle extension. On the other hand, cluster organisation members use the knowledge gathered by the Observatory to modernise and develop their products, including implementing technologies and materials that extend the product life cycle.

Cluster organisations also undertake other activities, for example, sharing best practices. Knowledge sharing on low-carbon solutions is common in all the analysed cluster organisations.

As evident from the case studies, a cluster manager’s role encompasses multifaceted responsibilities in driving sustainable practices and fostering collaboration within the cluster organisation. The cluster manager facilitates and catalyses low-carbon and circular economy initiatives. Their role extends to various domains, including research, infrastructure, knowledge dissemination, and regulatory adaptation.

Primarily, the cluster manager facilitates processes across the cluster organisation, ensuring a coherent approach to sustainable practices. They assume a leadership role in Research and Development (R&D) endeavours, leading projects to advance green technologies. This strategic leadership helps propel innovation in environmentally friendly solutions.

Infrastructure development forms another core aspect of the cluster manager’s role. They oversee and execute infrastructural projects, such as establishing energy production infrastructure, by creating photovoltaic installations for cluster organisation members. The cluster manager contributes directly to adopting sustainable energy sources by providing the necessary physical assets. Moreover, the cluster manager undertakes educational roles by initiating and organising training, workshops, and conferences. This not only disseminates knowledge but also fosters a collaborative environment for learning and ideation among cluster organisation members. This active role in knowledge exchange supports the overall growth of sustainable practices.

Within the sphere of circular economy, the cluster manager plays a pivotal role in fostering partnerships. They facilitate collaboration between waste-producing entities and those used waste materials, fostering a circular resource utilisation chain. In this network, research institutions contribute technology for material recovery and waste reduction, often using Industry 4.0 solutions like sensors and robots to enhance production efficiency.

The cluster manager’s responsibilities include promoting ancillary services that enhance sustainable production. They advocate for repair services, thus contributing to extending the lifespan of products and minimising waste. In addition, the manager raises awareness and provides access to knowledge concerning using recycled raw materials, reinforcing the cluster organisation’s commitment to sustainability. The regulatory landscape is not overlooked, as the cluster manager assumes a role in helping member companies adapt to evolving regulations. This includes representation in public consultations for new laws and providing up-to-date guidance on complying with changing legal requirements. In line with the circular economy ethos, the cluster manager broadens the cluster organisation’s offerings by incorporating ready products derived from recycling efforts. This strategic move aligns with the cluster organisation’s commitment to sustainable production and closing material loops.

Cluster organisations also create fertile ground for cooperation in waste management. If a company producing waste has a problem, the research institute operating in a cluster organisation can be involved. The research institute may either provide tailor-made technology for the company or check whether the waste can be used in the installation of the institute. If they have technology – they process waste; if not – they develop technology that can be used in the institute’s installation. In both cases, the institute may charge a fee for waste collection or, on the contrary, make a payment for waste collection to the enterprise, depending on the composition of the waste and how it can be used.

Based on the data gathered through the multiple case study approach, the categorisation of activities undertaken by cluster organisations is presented in Figure 1.

When asked about their role in facilitating circular solutions, the respondents could provide many more examples than if asked about decarbonisation, renewable energy sources and reducing energy use. This may be because a cluster organisation is a natural environment for circular transition. The waste produced by some companies can be used in the same production ecosystem by other companies as input to their products. Companies in clusters or cluster organisations usually create a value chain. This enables the use of returnable packaging in the supply chain. Another explanation is that well-considered circularity can lead to savings. That is why finding cooperating partners and acting together is relatively easy. In the case of low-carbon transition, companies must invest to reduce carbon emissions or start using renewable energy sources. As this may be a barrier, cluster organisation managers must explain long-term strategies and benefits.

An inquiry into the nature of the activities undertaken to foster green transformation in cluster organisations leads to additional conclusions: their spillover potential varies across the sample and not all activities are strictly internal, that is, they do not only engage a finite number of cluster organisation members but also can potentially lead to spillover effects which impact not only other companies from the region but also cluster organisations from other locations. Through these occurrences, their transformative role in facilitating green transformation is confirmed.

4.2 Phases of green transformation in cluster organisations

The second theme investigated was related to green transformation activities and the green transformation process. Olsson et al. (2004) differentiated between three transformation phases when studying social-ecological transformation for ecosystem management, which include:

1. preparing the system for change;

2. seizing a window of opportunity; and

3. building social-ecological resilience of the new desired state.

Building on this approach and repurposing it to unravel the extent to which cluster organisations are embedded in green transformation and to identify the scope of their role within this process, Table 2 juxtapositions activities fostering green transformation in cluster organisations and green transformation phases.

Based on the gathered evidence, an additional pre-green transformation phase was added to the configuration, representing previously performed activities that provided the groundwork for igniting and fostering green transformation. These activities were initially performed without considering future activities focused on fostering green transformation. The activities pertaining to this phase were network development, trust building, leadership and building communication channels between cluster organisation members, which allows their members to have access to information concerning green transformation and processes related to it undertaken by cluster organisation members (providing access to information extends across all phases of green transformation). As a result, some critical barriers attributed to transformation were targeted early on and allowed to focus on other issues impeding smooth transformation.

Among cluster organisations which participated in the study, various intentional green transformation-oriented activities were undertaken to prepare the transformation or, in other words, to prepare the system for change. Initially, cluster organisations’ managers focused on two closely interrelated activities – raising awareness and providing access to information on green transformation. In addition, cluster organisations provided a vision of green transformation for their members. It was executed by revamping their strategies and adding new strategic goals related to green transformation. This step legitimised the process of green transformation. Consequently, cluster organisations took an active and explicit role in fostering green transformation, while their managers continued their leadership roles and became agents of green transformation within respective cluster ecosystems. Their leadership occurs throughout all phases of green transformation.

The studied cluster organisations underwent evolution regarding activities falling within the scope of green transformation. Once they entered the phase of navigating the transformation, cluster organisation managers – first and foremost – designed and offered specialised services (mainly consulting) and focused on providing financing opportunities for their members to develop innovative green technologies. Furthermore, education and knowledge generation and exchange (in the form of training and R&D) became focal in pursuing green transformation, and cluster organisations’ managers were actively pursuing initiating these activities. Navigating the transformation also meant that several activities were undertaken within the area of innovation and technology development regarding both low-carbon economy and circular economy. Through research, cluster organisation managers used the window of opportunity to impact the creation of a new system.

Finally, gathered evidence suggests that cluster organisations build resilience in the new regime with green transformation at its core. Fulfilling their role as agents of change, cluster organisations disseminate green transformation values and co-manage the process of green transformation in an adaptive manner. Their agency serves the transformation and should be perceived as a form of adaptive management for cluster organisation members and entities beyond.

4.3 Comparison with other studies

The results of the carried-out research contribute to both literature on green transformation and its conditionings and the literature on clusters and cluster organisations. Globally, studies on the role of clustering in green transformation as well as sustainability have been increasing in number and volume over – more or less – the last decade. Generally, a belief that clusters help with reaching their goals is present among researchers (e.g. Gerolamo et al., 2008) who, at the same time, seek evidence supporting this view. Through document analysis, participant observation and interviews, McCauley and Stephens (2012) concluded that cluster initiatives focused on sustainable energy can potentially accelerate this change. Partially and similarly to the results presented in this paper, this impact can be achieved through promoting institutional thickness, generating “buzz” around sustainable energy activities, and building trust between stakeholders. Similarly, the promotion of green transformation and the upgrading of the green manufacturing industry result from clustering perceived as the concentration of high-tech sectors in China (Song et al., 2022). The results included in this paper also fall in line with a case study from Quebec (Canada), where a cluster organisation turned out to be a “transformative agent” impacting change, which takes place as a result of collaboration and association (Hatch et al., 2017).

To this day, relatively few studies have been carried out at the point of convergence between clusters or cluster organisations and various aspects related to green transformation and sustainability in Poland. Clusters, in general, are perceived as “vital for reaching the sustainability goals” included on various agendas (Lis et al., 2020) or as potential drivers of green economic growth (Burzyńska, 2016). At the same time, clusters are studied as environments in which social issues can be embedded and fostered, which can take place, for example, through CSR (Zaleśna and Predygier, 2021) – an aim supported by a belief in a positive link between CSR and financial performance (Fuchsová, 2022).

Unlike the approach followed in this paper, in which the authors included heterogeneous cluster organisations concerning their industry profile, several publications in Poland focus on eco-clusters (Sobol, 2016). They have been included as the main focus in a study by Feltynowski and Rzeńca (2012), who provide an overview of the location of eco-clusters operating in Poland and briefly characterise them. While Rzeńca (2013) perceived them as optional instruments of sustainable development policy, Burzyńska (2015) identified several eco-clusters across Poland and included a case study on activities and projects carried out by one of them. Moreover, Dubiel (2016) investigated the development of selected eco-clusters in one of the Polish regions (Silesian voivodeship), concluding that they specialise in environmental protection and energy conservation activities. However, they are at a relatively initial stage of development. According to Fraś and Ivashchuk (2017), who investigated cluster organisations in renewable energy and environmental protection, cluster organisations – despite undertaking innovative activities – do not fully use their potential.

Most recently, another study by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PAED, 2021) concluded that cluster organisations in Poland are differentiated in terms of their environmental impact. Actions aimed at improving the natural environment occur more frequently among cluster organisations holding a Key National Cluster accreditation located in eastern Poland, with more than 100 members. Moreover, a subjective assessment among cluster organisation members led the PAED to conclude that as many as 38% of their members indicate a positive impact on the environment achieved through activities undertaken within cluster organisations. At the same time, eco-innovations and circular economy cooperation were identified as most frequently implemented with renewable energy, and alternative approaches to obtaining or exploiting raw materials were visibly less frequent. The analysis carried out in this article leads to similar conclusions.

The conducted study confirms that companies in cluster organisations in Poland usually partake in a value chain which is the base for building a network between members to use returnable resources in the supply chain. It is not, however, easily observed in all cluster organisations, especially those that focus on particular technological areas. The study also confirms that cluster organisations contribute to greening the economy and should be perceived as “agents of change” (European Commission and Expert Group on Clusters, 2021). The mechanisms through which they impact the transition are mostly related to raising awareness, advising cluster organisation members, providing solutions to promote and facilitate the recycling of raw materials, reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of products.

5. Conclusions

As presented in Figure 1, there are various ways in which cluster organisations contribute to green transformation in Poland. The main conclusion from the analysis of the gathered data positions cluster organisations as drivers of change and catalysts of the transition towards a circular and low-carbon economy. The results of the activities undertaken within cluster organisations are mostly visible concerning circular transition and include material recycling, biological recovery and parts harvesting (selected examples are presented in the previous chapter). The effects of their engagement include greater awareness among cluster organisation members of circular business models, networks created to use the waste materials to produce new products, industrial symbiosis – transfer of by-product resources to companies and resource efficiency strategies.

Cluster organisations’ engagement in generating positive green effects of clustering also extends to them becoming bridges between research organisations and companies, leading to the dissemination of the latest know-how on topics related to green transformation. The linkages between companies and research organisations generate mutual benefits for both groups. Remarkably, without linkages with companies, research organisations could not design their research to fit the market's needs. Dissemination of knowledge and raising awareness are popular activities within cluster organisations.

Some cluster organisations include companies, research and knowledge organisations, public stakeholders and private investors operating in one branch. In contrast, others are interconnected by a technology area (e.g. decarbonisation technologies or recycling technologies). This paper includes examples of cluster organisations of both types and sectors (ICT, metal processing, life science, chemistry, construction, aviation, waste management and photonics). It can be assumed that in some sectors, it is more natural to support green transformation; in some, there is a great need, but this is problematic, and in some, the focus is on other issues because the sector is environmentally relatively neutral. However, on the basis of the exploratory research, we have too limited data to compare industries. This may be the subject of further in-depth research.

The limitations of the study include limited access to information and the fact that qualitative research allows for a certain amount of subjectivity, and the results should be generalised carefully. Moreover, the interviews were carried out with a non-random sample of participants. Another limitation of the study is related to biased views, which could have been shared by interviewees acting as representatives of the studied cluster organisations. The above limitations result from the authors’ decision to follow a qualitative and exploratory approach, given the study’s novelty regarding the geographic scope of the conducted research. Future research focusing on the role of cluster organisations as agents of change in green transition should include companies which pertain to cluster organisations. Furthermore, conducting quantitative rather than qualitative research could further deepen the knowledge of processes occurring within the boundaries of cluster organisations and identify spillover effects generated by them.

For various reasons, the research was designed as qualitative to understand the opinions and experiences of various actors engaged in green transformation within cluster organisations’ ecosystems. The key factor influencing this decision stems from the fact that knowledge of the involvement of cluster organisations in supporting green transformation still needs to be completed and scattered. While we aimed to shed light on this crucial aspect, future studies may delve deeper into the mechanisms, impacts and potential nuances of cluster organisations’ involvement in the green transition, building upon this initial descriptive groundwork. The framework of activities facilitating green transformation in cluster organisations can serve as an indication for future quantitative research on the evaluation of effects generated through processes occurring within cluster organisations.

Figures

Figure 1.

Activities facilitating green transformation in cluster organisations

Table 1.

Respondents of the interviews (cluster organisations)

Name	Region	Field(s) of activity	Year of foundation	No. of members
Dolina Lotnicza	Podkarpackie	Aviation and space	2003	148
Green Chemistry	Zachodniopomorskie	New materials and chemistry	2007	157
Mazovia ICT Cluster	Mazowieckie	ICT	2007	326
MedSilesia	Małopolskie	Health and medical science	2007	110
Metal Processing Cluster	Podlaskie	Metal processing	2007	112
Waste Management and Recycling Cluster	Wielkopolskie	Waste management and environment	2007	103
Polish Construction Cluster	Podlaskie	Construction	2011	331
Cluster for Photonics and Fiber Optics	Lubelskie	Photonics	2012	51

Source: Own research

Table 2.

Green transformation phases and activities performed within cluster organisations

Activities performed	Pre-green transformation	Green transformation phases
		Preparing for transformation	Navigating the transformation	Building resilience
Developing networks	+*
Building trust and social capital	+*
Raising awareness		+
Providing a vision		+
Access to information	+*	+	+	+
Leadership	+*	+	+	+
Education and knowledge generation/exchange
Training			+	+
R&D			+	+
Access to specialised services (consultancy)			+	+
Providing financing to develop innovative green technologies			+	+
Innovation and technology development
Production and distribution of energy from renewable sources			+
Generating solutions for the recovery of materials and their reuse			+
Generating solutions for the reduction of waste generation			+
Generating solutions to extend product life cycles			+

Note:

*Previously undertaken activities beneficial for green transformation

Source: Own research