The European Cluster Collaboration Platform, on behalf of the European Commission, in partnership with the Malopolska Regional Development Agency (MARR) and the European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA), jointly organise the Clusters meet Regions workshop to explore how regional development agencies, clusters and other actors could foster stronger collaboration in the implementation of regional and national economic development policies. The specific aim of the event is to foster wider uptake and development of aerospace technologies in regions, smart city concepts, life sciences clusters and increased use of funding opportunities in Poland.

Context

THE CLUSTERS MEET REGIONS SERIES

EU regions need to be able to compete with other more advanced and emerging economies in the fast-changing economic and social environment, in particular in the post-COVID-19 recovery period. Location matters particularly for clusters. They develop more easily in urban and regional ecosystems with a favourable administrative and regulatory environment and access to skilled labour, markets, financial and business support services.

What really matters is the involvement of clusters in regional economic governance, in policy design and implementation at the regional level.

Regional authorities need to know their clusters and understand how they can shape, improve and effectively help in the design and implementation of regional development policies. On the other hand, cluster organisations and their members should take action and implement projects that are relevant to the economic development of their local communities. They should engage in collaboration with other European clusters in the same or related economic activities and thus complement regional assets and reinforce capacities to lead the green transition, accelerate digital transition and build resilience.

13 regional workshops have already been organised in the EU regions, which expressed their interest in hosting the events in 2022-23 as part of the “Clusters meet Regions” cycle.

These workshops brought together clusters and policymakers of the EU, national, regional and local levels to learn from each other on how to better use clusters to strengthen industrial ecosystems, serve national/regional economic development and liaise with other regions with similar transition challenges.

Focusing on aerospace technologies, smart cities, life sciences, and financing opportunities, the event in Krakow is the 14^th of the series and aims to facilitate the implementation of good practices where clusters play an active role in regional economies and are drivers for economic transition and to create and promote collaborations between clusters and regional stakeholders for the industrial development of the regions.

Target Audience

The event aims to bring together around 100 representatives of regional development agencies, part of or outside EURADA’s network, cluster organisations, national public authorities, companies, and business support organisations from EU Member States and regions. Participation from a wide range of economic development actors is expected, including financial intermediaries, clusters, innovation hubs, industrial associations, investors, business angels, crowdfunding platforms, and others.

Agenda Overview

11 December, 2023 (Monday)

09:00 - REGISTRATION OF PARTICIPANTS AND WELCOME COFFEE

09:15 - Opening Session – Welcoming Address

09:35 - Setting the Scene – Regional Priorities – role of clusters

Presentation of the ECCP input paper on the Małopolska Region Panel discussion 

10:35 - MODULE I: Prospects for Harnessing Aerospace for Regional Development

Space and aviation technologies in Małopolska: Strategy vs reality – the region’s actors 

Exploring the Nexus: Space Technology, Social Perspectives, and Everyday Life Applications 

NEREUS – Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies – Roya Ayazi

Panel Discussion

• Who needs aerospace technology (societal perception/awareness of its importance for the development of regions)?
• How can the development of aerospace technologies be promoted (view of entrepreneurs, scientists, clusters)?
• How can we use aerospace technology to solve contemporary challenges (e.g., climate change adaptation and mitigation)?

Questions and Answers

11:30 - COFFEE BREAK

11:45 - MODULE II: Cosmic Kraków – Smart Cities

Smart city or what? The many faces of being smart – an introduction to the topic

How does Kraków become Smart as a Heritage City and what does that mean for its residents? 

The Smart City concept in cluster collaboration 

Panel Discussion

• New European Bauhaus, cultural and creative industries clusters and social innovation initiatives – do they really work?

Questions and Answers

13:15 - LUNCH BREAK

14:45 - MODULE III: Cosmos People

“Cosmic” medicine and biology – life sciences clusters and development directions 

• How can aerospace technologies be used to promote developments in the life sciences? Can we provide examples of applications in healthcare, the food industry, or the environment?
• Are there examples of technologies that have been brought together in aerospace to create new value for healthcare?
• Aerospace technologies have led to the development of a wide range of competencies that can be transferred to the healthcare sector. What are specific competencies, and how are they/can they be implemented?
• What advice can we give to those who want to use the path of aerospace technology to their advantage?

Questions and Answers

16:00 - EURADA AWARDS CEREMONY

17:00 - COCKTAIL RECEPTION

12 December, 2023 (Tuesday)

09:00 - WELCOME COFFEE

09:30 - MODULE IV: From Cosmos to Earth – Financing Opportunities

• Different ways of financing innovation (financial instruments, services to support innovation, best practices) & new funding opportunities

• Conclusions from the last calls for proposals (the most common mistakes, difficulties, what to watch out for when preparing applications 

10:00 - Pitching session

11:00 - Workshop: Common Areas of Action in Light of New Opportunities

12:00 - Closing remarks

12:30 - LUNCH BREAK

13:30 - STUDY TOUR: ASTOR Show Room

16:00 - EURADA GENERAL ASSEMBLY (EURADA MEMBERS ONLY)

16:30 - PRESENTATION OF NEW EURADA MEMBERS

For more details about the seminar programme and the speakers, the Draft Agenda will be available soon.