BSR Innovation Express presented at Alps4EU final conference

January 17, 2014

Around 100 people were in attendance at the Alps4EU final conference, held in Brussels 16 January (for more information on the project and the conference click here). The conference was focused on the internationalization of cluster initiatives through meta-clusters, featuring the themes of implementing synchronized funding instruments, transforming meta-clusters into world-class clusters, nurturing emerging industries through clusters, and working with public-private partnerships through Horizon 2020.

Alps4EU partners invited representatives from other transnational cluster programmes/projects to provide additional insights and inspiration on new approaches which could be pursued within the Alpine Space macro-region. They turned to the Baltic Sea Region to provide insights on synchronized funding instruments – with perspectives from both the policymaker and cluster organization.

Emily Wise (VINNOVA) and Lotten Svensson (IDC West Sweden) represented BSR Stars at this conference – presenting experience in implementing the BSR Innovation Express call and one of its funded projects. Participants highlighted the need for instruments such as these to ensure quick mobilization of international collaboration activities, and encourage operational involvement of SMEs.

In another presentation, Nikos Pantalos (DG Enterprise and Industry) highlighted that the concept of clusters is evolving on EU level – with increased focus on connecting clusters in related areas in order to address new industrial (or societal) challenges, and to increase international linkages (within and outside Europe). Horizon 2020, COSME and Structural Funds programmes will each have a number of funding instruments that target clusters in connection with innovation and internationalization activities. First calls (focused on cluster excellence and internationalization) are expected to be launched in the first half of this year.