Criteria of evaluating key national clusters in the value chain and with reference to the local conditions

The aim of the herein paper is to present the trends of the development of the Key National Clusters. In this paper, analysis has been carried out on the criteria of the selection of the key national clusters. Over the past few years in Poland the rapid development of clusters has been observed. This is possible thanks to the EU and government support. Together with the increase in demand for innovative economic solutions, the number of clusters is also growing, while simultaneously the preparation of criteria for their evaluation is essential. Cluster initiatives are of particular value for local self-governing units and support the development of entire regions.