EU Cluster Talks on From Strategy to Action: Leveraging Clusters in Smart Specialisation Strategies
The European Cluster Collaboration Platform organised the next EU Clusters Talk on the topic “From Strategy to Action: Leveraging Clusters in Smart Specialisation Strategies” on 4 December 2024, 8:30 – 9:45 CET, to discuss how clusters can enhance regional strengths and foster sustainable growth through Smart Specialisation Strategies.
Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) are designed to foster region-specific economic growth through research and innovation. Launched in 2010, S3 encourages EU regions to identify and invest in areas where they have unique strengths, thereby promoting competitive advantage. It is built on three pillars: Localisation, Prioritisation, and Participation—focusing on place-based assets, concentrating resources on select priorities, and engaging local stakeholders. In the 2021-2027 period, governance enhancements support effective strategy implementation, crucial for advancing Europe’s green and digital transitions.
Clusters play a significant role in Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) by acting as intermediaries and catalysts within regional innovation ecosystems. They facilitate collaboration between stakeholders —such as businesses, research institutions, and government bodies—enhancing industrial engagement, driving cross-sector innovation, knowledge exchange and resource sharing. This cooperation is essential for aligning regional strengths with broader innovation goals and accessing multiple funding sources, like the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Horizon Europe, to support projects strategically. Clusters are also instrumental in building regional networks and projects across Europe.
The Smart Specialisation Community of Practice (S3 CoP) serves as a central EU hub for knowledge, guidance, networking, and peer learning on Smart Specialisation Strategies, supporting the strategy’s development and implementation. It provides resources like the S3 Observatory and targeted support. Clusters can engage in the S3 CoP by participating in thematic platforms and partnerships, contributing to the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process, the strategies implementation phases, and accessing resources to enhance their role in regional innovation systems, supporting collaboration and alignment with S3 goals.
Speakers included:
- Silvia Álvarez Santos, DG REGIO, European Commission
- Christoph Reiss-Schmidt, Head National & International Projects, Business Upper Austria
- Gus Verhaeghe, Innovation Manager, Flanders' FOOD
- Patrick Vuillermoz, General Director, Polymeris
- Anders Olsson, Manager of Research and Innovation, Region Värmland
WATCH THE SESSION RECORDING
Presentation slides
Created: 10/12/2024 17:58:47
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