Meet Lucia Haraslínová from the Cluster of Czech Furniture Manufacturers and discover what the Cluster Management Excellence Gold Label brings in practice: stronger credibility, higher visibility, and a sharper position for international cooperation.
What your cluster do ?
A national platform bringing together furniture manufacturers, suppliers and research institutions across the Czech Republic, supporting innovation, collaboration and competitiveness in the furniture industry.
What made you decide to apply for the Cluster Management Excellence label?
We wanted an independent verification of the quality of our management, to advance our professionalisation, and to receive clear feedback on areas where we can become even stronger. It was also a natural step in our long-term development.
What specific benefits has the label brought you?
The Gold label increases our credibility with partners and public institutions, strengthens our position in international projects and is an important argument when building strategic collaborations. It has also raised our visibility and standing within the European cluster network.
Do you have a tip for other clusters that are still thinking about the label?
Start with a thorough internal analysis and careful preparation of documentation — the better your data on organisational performance, the smoother the process. Don’t shy away from taking time for self-reflection; the preparation itself often yields valuable insights.
What does “excellence” in cluster management mean to you personally?
For us, excellence is a commitment — to our members, partners and to ourselves. It means openness, professionalism, transparent governance and the ability to deliver lasting value. It’s the daily work of being better than we were yesterday.
