CLUSTERING OF BUSINESSES IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA: ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

In the context of the National Industrial Development Program for the years 2024-2028, supporting the cluster development in the industrial sector of the Republic of Moldova, represents a priority strategic direction for strengthening business infrastructure. Clustering, broadly conceptualized as a geographical concentration of companies and innovation activities, has become essential for increasing economic competitiveness on a regional scale. In the Republic of Moldova, this process is seen as an essential way to increase the operational efficiency of companies by facilitating access to common resources such as advanced technology, know-how and specialized infrastructure. Clustering allows small and medium-sized enterprises to strengthen their internal capabilities and to collaborate with other entities in the same sector and in associative sectors, leading to increased innovation and optimization of production processes. This article focuses on the opportunities for financing and developing business clusters in the Republic of Moldova, highlighting the role of government support, international organizations and the readiness of entrepreneurs to collaborate in order to create an enabling environment for innovation and sustainable economic growth. It also analyzes the impact of this initiative on the competitiveness and performance of the key regions of the Republic of Moldova. Finally, it is emphasized that the success of this initiative depends on effective collaboration between the public, private and academic sectors and adaptability to the dynamics of international markets.