The Innovation Industrial Technology Cluster was honored to be a part of the Ukrainian delegation at the European Cluster Conference held on May 7-8 in Brussels, Belgium.
“It is very pleasant to receive feedback from representatives of different countries about the high motivation, energy, positive attitude and fire in the eyes of the representatives of Ukrainian clusters.”- IITC
Ukrainian clusters joined forces with European partners at the ECC 2024.
The European Cluster Conference 2024 was attended by 791 organizations and 759 participants from all over Europe, demonstrating the growing role of clusters in the development of the innovation economy.
The ECC 2024 was eventful, with participants able to interact in various formats.
Panel sessions: a platform for sharing expert knowledge
Panel sessions kicked off the conference. During the sessions, leading experts discussed the most pressing issues of cluster activities and development:
- Green transition: How can clusters contribute to the transition to a green economy? What tools and mechanisms can be used for this purpose?
- Digital transformation: What opportunities does digital transformation offer for clusters? How can clusters adapt to new technologies and change business models?
- Increasing sustainability: How can clusters be made more resilient to challenges such as lack of funding, lack of national development strategies, lack of stakeholder engagement? What skills, funding, and technologies are needed for this?
The panel discussions were held in the format of speakers’ reports and open discussions, which allowed participants to ask questions and share their opinions.
Cluster and organization stands: a showcase of innovation
The stands have become the hallmark of many clusters and organizations. At the stands, participants were able to:
- Present their activities: Each stand reflected the specifics of the cluster’s activities, its achievements and projects.
- Find new partners: The stands have become an excellent platform for networking and establishing new contacts.
- To get acquainted with innovative projects: The stands featured a variety of innovative products and services developed by the clusters and their members.
Cluster2Cluster meetings: individual negotiations between clusters
C2C meetings were organized so that participants could hold targeted negotiations with potential partners.
Advantages of C2C meetings:
- Quick entry into new markets: C2C meetings allowed participants to find new partners in other countries and expand their geography.
- Signing memorandums of cooperation: Many participants signed cooperation agreements during the conference.
- Exchange of experience: The C2C meetings were a great opportunity to share experiences and best practices between clusters.
Results.
The European Cluster Conference 2024 confirmed the important role of clusters in the development of the innovation economy. Thanks to various formats of interaction, the conference participants were able not only to gain new knowledge and skills, but also to establish useful contacts and conclude new agreements.
Key findings:
✅ Clusters can provide a European approach to value chains
✅ Clusters are strategically important for knowledge exchange and cooperation
✅ Clusters can be a driving force for implementing a green, digital and sustainable transition
✅ Clusters can create both social and economic value
With their considerable presence and influence, many European clusters operate in various innovative sectors, significantly impacting the economic and social life of their regions and countries. We are confident that Ukrainian clusters, demonstrating resilience and a spirit of cooperation, have the potential to become a driving force for the recovery and further development of our country!
