As part of its scientific research, the cluster initiative investigates different forms of cooperation., such as "cluster" and "networks" and their benefits for businesses. As of yet, the benefits of networking for an individual company from the perspective of a business have not been sufficiently considered in formal research.

Following the first publication, a new perception of Cluster evolved, The so called “network based Cluster” identifies the actual added value as the key feature. The research approach is based on the theoretical approaches "Resource-based view” (RBV) and “Relational view "(RV).

The research focuses on the cluster organization and cluster development (phase model). In addition,  the research addresses the value proposition a Cluster can contribute in terms of innovation, human resources and internationalization.

The aim is to highlight the benefits of cooperation for the individual company and to make these benefits transparent and measurable and to further derive recommendations for future practice. These results must be successful in order for, clusters and networks to be long term and to create sustainable structures.