LATVIAN FISHERIES SECTOR CLUSTER

ABSTRACT.

Clusters are one of the main priorities in consolidation and development of innovations in Europe. Strengthening the competitiveness of the Latvian fisheries sector cluster is in the basis for achievement of the goals of the EU Common fisheries policy and management of the proper policy in the sector, which can facilitate growth of the state’s economy, especially development of the areas important for fisheries. The aim of the research is to give a general insight into the Latvian fisheries sector cluster and its development. On the grounds of the determined methods and the available data, the author identified the members of the Latvian fisheries sector cluster and reflected the activity of the sector cluster. As a result of the research the author concluded that the environment of the Latvian fisheries cluster consists of the fisheries sector’s companies which are in its centre and the support infrastructure sectors interested in facilitation of the companies’ competitiveness. Despite the world-wide globalization processes and different political obstacles, Latvian fisheries sector has been developing over the time. Using the support opportunities provided by the EU financial instruments and taking part in establishment of the EU Common Fisheries Policy, wide opportunities of competitiveness and growth facilitation open to the Latvian fisheries sector cluster.

Keywords: cluster members, fisheries sector cluster, Latvia.