Prospects for the Development of Automotive Clusters and Their Determining Factors

The article analyzes automotive clusters as a type of industry alliance that creates competitive advantages through geographic proximity and participant cooperation. Using the Samara region as an example, it shows how a multi-tier network of subsidiaries, dependent companies, suppliers, research-and-education institutions, and financial organizations forms around an anchor vehicle manufacturer. The study identifies the key factors determining cluster effectiveness – both the number and quality of participants, availability of skilled labor and specialized training, the level of innovation activity and access to technology, as well as the development of infrastructure and logistics. Special attention is given to global trends – digitalization and the transition to Industry 4.0, which compel traditional auto clusters to transform and widen their boundaries by integrating IT companies and new segments of the value chain.