Cluster policy development as a condition for increasing investment activity in the region
State and municipal authorities are searching for and testing various areas to increase investment activity in the regions. The article discusses the possibilities of cluster policy to solve this problem in comparison with other approaches. It is noted that it is the clustering of the economy that makes it possible to efficiently use the external and internal resources of the territories, apply advanced technologies, which, ultimately, contributes to the development of scientific and technological progress, the growth of competitiveness and economic security of the region. To date, five clusters have been created and are successfully operating in the Vologda Oblast: dairy, biotechnological, wooden housing construction and woodworking, information technology, and a tourist cluster. It should be noted that the cluster of wooden housing construction and woodworking has international status. The article describes the experience of the Vologda Oblast, which shows the importance of enhancing information and consulting activities in this area. This role is assigned to the Center for Cluster Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (CCR), the purpose of which is to coordinate joint cluster projects, to ensure cooperative interaction of participants in territorial clusters. In the work of the CCR, there is a fairly active relationship with existing clusters, as evidenced by a significant number of events, including field trips to other regions of the Russian Federation, as well as round tables and exhibitions. The article presents the author's recommendations for the development of the information component of the activities of the CCR. The problems of implementing interaction with internal investors in the clusters of the Vologda Oblast are highlighted, areas of cooperation and informing existing and potential participants are proposed.