Smart cooperation of small and medium-sized enterprises within clusters based on digital technologies

The article is devoted to the development of smart cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Republic of Belarus within the framework of clusters based on digital technologies to establish a smart industry, which contributes to their sustainable development under the conditions of the economy at the contemporary state. The article, based on international experience, examines the concept of smart cooperation, and reveals its role in the development of SMEs to maintain competitiveness amid the digitalization of the economy. The choice of digital technologies necessary for smart cooperation among SMEs in a cluster is substantiated (including artificial intelligence, cloud computing and fog computing, big data and data analytics, industrial process control systems, and collaboration platforms). The most prevalent digital technologies for smart cooperation in the Republic of Belarus – big data and the Internet of Things (IoT) – forming the basis for the development of the smart industry, are identified. The study also reveals underutilization of artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital twins among domestic organizations. Measures of state support for the development of smart cooperation in the Republic of Belarus are analyzed. The development of smart cooperation among SMEs within existing and emerging clusters, with the support of the state and large enterprises serving as cluster cores, is recommended.