The European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), on behalf of the European Commission and in collaboration with Wirtschaftsförderung Raum Heilbronn GmbH, the Cluster Initiative TRANSFORMOTIVE DIALOG and the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg is proud to organise the Clusters Meet Regions event in Heilbronn, Germany, on 9 & 10 April 2025.

REGISTRATION

DRAFT AGENDA

VIDEO INVITATION

The conference aims to bring up new insights and ideas that may contribute to cluster policy in general but also to future EU policies. It will examine the transformative role of clusters in driving innovation, promoting sustainability, and strengthening resilience within regional and European ecosystems. With Heilbronn's leadership in cutting-edge sectors like Automotive, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics & Artificial Intelligence and Hydrogen, the event will offer participants a first-hand experience and an excellent basis for discussion on how clusters are central in a thriving regional innovation ecosystem and are key contributors to European competitiveness.

Building on the successful tradition of previous events across Europe, the Heilbronn edition will provide a platform for cross-sector collaboration, dynamic discussions, and hands-on engagement through site visits, matchmakings, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES 

Heilbronn, a dynamic region at the heart of Europe, is renowned for its strong innovation culture and triple-helix collaboration model, where industry, education/academia, and public authorities work hand-in-hand. This collaborative spirit has positioned Heilbronn as a leader in automotive, mechanical engineering, artificial intelligence and hydrogen innovation, driving regional and European growth.

The Clusters Meet Regions event in Heilbronn will focus on:

• Strengthening and connecting regional innovation ecosystems in Heilbronn-Franconia´s key areas ‘Automotive & Logistics’, ‘Manufacturing’, ‘Artificial Intelligence’, ‘Hydrogen’, focusing on topics such as knowledge valorisation, startup and scale-up support and technology infrastructures.

• Supporting SME resilience and cross-border collaboration to adapt to global challenges.

• Showcasing best practices in cluster management and regional development.

• This aligns with the Federal State’s RIS3 strategy and the European Green Deal, highlighting Heilbronn’s commitment to addressing climate, energy, and digital transformation goals.

TARGET GROUPS

• The event will engage stakeholders from across Europe, including:
• Regional authorities and policymakers.
• Cluster organisations.
• SMEs, startups, and scale-ups in automotive, manufacturing in general, technology and hydrogen.
• Academic and research institutions.
• Industry leaders in automotive, mechanical engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, hydrogen.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

• Strengthened collaborations among clusters, SMEs, and policymakers.
• Enhanced knowledge of Heilbronn’s innovation ecosystem.
• Contribution to European Green Deal and RIS3 strategies.
• Identification of new cross-border partnerships and opportunities for technological growth.

LOGISTICAL INFORMATION

• Venue: Handwerkskammer Heilbronn-Franken, Heilbronn.
• Accessibility: Frankfurt Airport (90 minutes) and Stuttgart Airport (60 minutes).
• Public transport connections ensure seamless mobility.

MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION