Lviv Furniture Cluster joined the conference on the development of cluster policy in Ukraine
On June 30, Lviv hosted the conference “Clusters and Regional Development: From Local Practices to National Policy,” bringing together representatives of government, business, clusters, the expert community, and international partners to discuss the role of the cluster approach in Ukraine’s economic development. The event focused on practical tools for cluster support, regional development, and the future of Ukraine’s national cluster policy.
The Lviv Furniture Cluster’s Experience
As part of the panel discussion “Ukraine’s Cluster Policy: What Works and What Should Be Scaled Up,” Oksana Straz, Executive Director of the Lviv Furniture Cluster, shared practical experience on strengthening the furniture industry through cluster cooperation.
“The cluster approach works when every member benefits. Our goal is to create an environment where every company has the opportunity to grow. By helping each member become stronger, we increase the competitiveness of the entire cluster and, consequently, of Ukraine’s furniture industry. The competitiveness of the industry begins with the competitiveness of each individual company. When cluster members gain access to support, knowledge, new opportunities, and partnerships, they become stronger—and so does the cluster itself, along with the furniture industry as a whole. A cluster is not about competition between companies; it is about growing stronger together,” said Oksana Straz, Executive Director of the Lviv Furniture Cluster.
The discussion highlighted how collaboration between business, academia, and local government helps build a modern industry ecosystem. This type of partnership enables joint educational initiatives, supports innovation, develops skilled talent, and strengthens the competitiveness of Ukrainian furniture manufacturers in both domestic and European markets.
Participants also addressed the key challenges facing clusters today, including integration into the EU market, the development of shared business services, attracting investment, and creating conditions for the long-term growth of industrial ecosystems. These priorities are equally important for the furniture industry.
The panel also featured representatives of other Ukrainian clusters and business communities, including colleagues from the Rivne Furniture Cluster, the IRON.Tech Cluster, the Western Ukrainian Fashion Industry Cluster, the Lviv Medical Business Cluster, the Publishing and Printing Cluster, the Vinnytsia Instrument Engineering Cluster, as well as representatives of business associations and public authorities.
Growing Together Through Partnership
The conference provided a valuable platform for meaningful dialogue among representatives of Ukrainian clusters, the exchange of practical experience, and the development of a shared vision for the future of Ukraine’s cluster policy. Such events reaffirm that collaboration, trust, and joint efforts are the foundation of sustainable regional and industry development.
Our team is proud to be part of the professional community shaping the future of cluster development in Ukraine. We sincerely thank the organizers for creating such a valuable platform for dialogue, and all participants for their openness, insightful discussions, and willingness to share their experience.
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