Cluster policy in the European Union countries and the Republic of Belarus: a comparative analysis

World experience shows that the cluster is the most effective organizational form of business, stimulating the development of innovations and increasing the competitiveness of both individual business entities and regional, national economies. In international practice, the spread of cluster initiatives and the formation of national policies in the field of cluster development has become ubiquitous since the beginning of the 21st century. Today, industries of many European countries are fully or partially covered by clustering, and specialized infrastructure is being created. The positive experience of Europe can be applied to the implementation of cluster policy in the Republic of Belarus. To do this, a comparative analysis of clustering factors was performed. The article provides a comparative analysis of clustering processes in European countries and the Republic of Belarus. The historical prerequisites for the formation of cluster policy and its evolutionary result are analyzed: the number of clusters in countries, their specialization and structure in relation to compliance with the cluster criteria are determined. Cluster support institutions and priority areas of activity, as well as the role of the state in the development of clusters, are identified. The sources of funding for cluster programs are analyzed, the levels of implementation of cluster projects are determined.