Clusters as a catalyst for developing human resources for the Internet of Things industry

Following the cluster concept of triple helix introduced by Prof. Michael Porter, The Electronic Innovation Cluster was founded in 2011 as a result of the already existing economic relations between Center of Technological Electronics and Interconnection Techniques from the Politehnica University of Bucharest and several small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from the Bucharest-Ilfov region of Romania. In the current economic landscape SMEs have a difficult time adapting and finding ways of evolving, especially in the fast advancing domain of electronics. By joining an electronic cluster the SMEs can benefit not only from access to technology that might have been unaffordable on their own, but also they have the chance to contribute to developing the human resources required for generating new innovative ideas and products in the new industry of the Internet of Things. The Academia has an important role in defining the curricula based on the input of industry members within the cluster for educating young engineers in order to support developing fresh innovative ideas and also new efficient technologies through research programs.