Section 14Sec./Art. 14

Regional Innovation and Cluster Policy. The NIC shall integrate in the NIASD strategies to promote regional innovation that will harness the competitive advantages, as well as existing and potential strengths of regions and provinces. Such strategies shall promote regional development through sound science, technology and innovation programs. For this purpose, the RDCs shall help coordinate and monitor the implementation of the NIASDs in their respective regions.

The NIC shall adopt cluster policies or strategies as significant components of the countrys innovation policy mix. In determining the feasibility and effectiveness of cluster policies in pursuit of innovation goals, other policy streams, such as regional economic development policy, industrial/enterprise policy, higher education policy, among others, shall be considered.

The cluster policies shall be adopted to focus on regional hubs or provinces or sectors such as MSMEs, large firms, spinoffs and startups, academic or educational institutions and research centers, or combinations of these. For this purpose, the NIC shall establish a Cluster Development Program. Funding for this purpose shall be incorporated in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Cluster strategies and programs shall be implemented through the agencies concerned through a well-coordinated system facilitated by the NIC.