This event is part of the broader Clusters Meet Regions series, which aims to strengthen the role of clusters in regional economic development by fostering collaboration between clusters, policymakers, businesses, and research institutions.

With a strong industrial base, the Podkarpackie Region has positioned itself as one of the leaders in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, with clusters playing a crucial role in these sectors. The event will provide a unique opportunity to explore the innovation ecosystem in the Podkarpackie Region and highlight the role of clusters in boosting regional competitiveness, supporting smart specialisation, and advancing green and digital transitions. It will also offer an excellent opportunity to discuss security and dual-use technology and developments in the drone industry.

🗓️ Draft Agenda

📋 Participants' Booklet

HOST REGION AND CONTEXT

The Local Government of the Podkarpackie Region is the leading entity responsible for designing and implementing the region’s economic development and innovation policies. As a key facilitator of the regional innovation ecosystem, it ensures strong cooperation among stakeholders from business, academia, administration, and society. While Podkarpackie does not have a dedicated cluster policy, its Regional Innovation Strategy for 2021-2030 (RSI WP) integrates clusters as key enablers of economic transformation.

The RSI WP identifies four strategic objectives to enhance the region’s innovation capacity:

1. Strengthening the innovation ecosystem

2. Increasing the competitiveness of enterprises

3. Developing human capital to meet labour market needs

4. Promoting the internationalisation of the regional economy

Clusters play a vital role in the entrepreneurial discovery process, the industrial transition, and sustainability efforts, which will be core themes of the event.

EVENT OBJECTIVES

The Clusters Meet Regions event in Rzeszów aims to:

• Demonstrate the impact of clusters in the regional innovation ecosystem and their role in achieving the goals of the Regional Innovation Strategy.

• Facilitate cross-border cooperation between clusters, businesses, and research institutions to enhance innovation and internationalisation.

• Provide a platform for policy dialogue, allowing regional and European stakeholders to exchange best practices on cluster-driven economic development.

• Explore the integration of clusters into European value chains and their role in the green and digital transitions.

• Offer networking opportunities to promote new business collaborations, investment opportunities, and R&D partnerships.

EVENT FORMAT AND KEY ACTIVITIES

The programme has been designed to complement the EU Industry Days 2025 event, scheduled for 5-6 June 2025, ensuring a high-impact week of activities for regional and international participants.

The two-day programme will feature high-level discussions and hands-on engagement opportunities. Participants can look forward to panel sessions such as:

• "Dual-Use Technologies and Defence Readiness" – exploring synergies between civilian and defence applications.
• "Circular Economy and Decarbonisation" – examining how clusters are driving sustainable industrial practices.
• "Unmanned and Autonomous Systems" – showcasing regional strengths and future collaboration opportunities.

The event will also include pitching sessions from regional startups and clusters, as well as site visits to leading innovation centres in the Podkarpackie Region, including the Podkarpackie Science and Technology Park and the Technology Park and the Podkarpackie Innovation Centre.

Participants will gain insights into the region’s smart specialisation priorities and discover practical opportunities for European cooperation and innovation.

Day 1, 3 June 2025

The first day will feature an opening session with representatives from the European Commission, the Local Government of Podkarpackie, and key cluster stakeholders. 

The discussion sessions planned for the day will cover topics related to the innovation ecosystem and industrial transformation. The event will provide clusters with a platform to showcase their activities through interactive pitching sessions. The first day will end with a dinner for participants, offering a networking opportunity to establish new connections and explore potential joint projects.

Day 2, 4 June 2025

The second day of the event will focus on dual-use technologies and their application in enhancing security and fostering innovation, the development of drone applications across different economic sectors, and the contribution of European funds to regional economic growth. 

The event will also provide startups with the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions, business models, and potential collaboration opportunities during the pitching session.

Participants will also be able to take part in site visits combined with Industry Days in:

• Podkarpackie Innovation Center – a key institution supporting R&D and technology transfer in the region.

• Technology Incubator of the Podkarpackie Science and Technology Park – fostering high-tech entrepreneurship and industrial innovation.

The event will be held in English and Polish, with simultaneous translation available.

TARGET AUDIENCE

The Clusters Meet Regions event in Rzeszów, Poland, will bring regional and European stakeholders together to explore how clusters can foster industrial transformation, resilience, and cross-sectoral innovation. The event will bring together 100+ participants, including:

• Cluster organisations from Poland and across Europe

• Regional and national policymakers

• SMEs, startups, and industry leaders

• Research and academic institutions

• Business support organisations and development agencies

VENUE AND LOGISTICS

The event will take place at the Podkarpackie Science and Technology Park in Jasionka, which offers state-of-the-art conference facilities and is conveniently located nearby:

• Rzeszów-Jasionka International Airport, offering direct connections to major European cities.

• Hotels and public transport, providing easy access to the city centre.

• Zen.com Arena Exhibition and Convention Center, which will host the Industry Days 2025 event.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Clusters Meet Regions in Rzeszów is expected to deliver the following outcomes:

• Stronger collaboration between clusters and innovation stakeholders in Podkarpackie and across Europe.

• New cooperation agreements between businesses, research institutions, and regional authorities.

• Greater visibility for regional clusters, positioning them within European and international value chains.

• Policy recommendations on how clusters can contribute to regional innovation strategies and economic development.

As one of the key international events in the Podkarpackie Region for 2025, Clusters Meet Regions in Rzeszów will serve as a strategic platform for fostering regional and European collaboration, strengthening cluster-driven innovation, and shaping the future of smart specialisation and industrial transformation in Poland and beyond.

AGENDA

The Draft Agenda can be found here. 

REGISTRATION

Registration will be available soon! Stay tuned!