An analysis is made of the formation and development of clusters in the world economy. The importance of the cluster as an important and universal tool for increasing the competitiveness of the economies of individual countries (or their regions), as well as for the effective development of the modern global economy, is underlined. Particular attention is paid to the development of clusterization of the European Union's economy. Identify the main industries of European countries, in which a large number of clusters operate. The innovation character of many clusters is underlined, as well as their focus on the economic development of the backward regions of the country. The mechanisms of their formation are investigated. Generalized world experience of the role of the state in stimulating and developing clusters. The experience of the United States of America in the cluster organization of production is considered. And also, especially the cluster policy in the US, which is based on the fact that science and business in this country cooperate on the principle of commercialization and competition. The state and system problems of development of clusters in the economy of Ukraine are determined. The spheres of economy and sector, in which clusters were created: the construction industry, light industry, agrarian sector and tourism were revealed. Prospective directions of clustering at the level of transport infrastructure, transboundary clusters and clusters with IT technologies are indicated. The strategic priorities of the development of national clusters as a component of the competitiveness of the Ukrainian economy are substantiated.