The ability to innovate is crucial for the success of regions and cities. Cluster initiatives play an important role in fostering local competitiveness. Clusters concentrate the resources and means necessary to achieve a critical mass and to accelerate the transfer of knowledge and know-how. The Clusters Linked Over Europe (CLOE) network has published a practical guidebook on the creation and management of clusters. It offers a hands-on overview of necessary steps to be taken to successfully develop and run cluster initiatives, while taking in account the different conditions prevailing in the partner countries.