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In this chapter, three natural clusters have been defined in the Czech Republic. They include a group of entities in the bijouterie, glass, and textile industry. All industries described have centuries-old traditions in the North Bohemia region and have undergone the same process of nationalisation, restitution, and privatisation. It was only the textile industry where it was possible to create a cluster organisation. The chapter deals with the historical development of these industries and discusses what they have in common and to what extent they differ. The textile industry went through a long period of declining production and employment after 1990. However, a professional base formed by education and research remained in the region and helped the textile industry take on a new form. The focus on high value-added products and nanotechnologies has led to reviving demand for textile products. Glass (utility and other special glass) and manufacture of bijouterie are industries known for a high share of handicrafts. In the glass industry, the number of entities has been stable for a long time. The manufacture of bijouterie is strongly influenced by fashion fluctuations and the economic cycle. There was also a decrease in the number of business entities in this industry. |
