The 1st European Cluster Meeting in Germany dealt with the role of networks in transformation processes – ProduktionNRW contributed the approaches of mechanical engineering and production technology.
Clusters and networks play a decisive role in regional economic development and economic change in Europe. On 8 November 2023, the first European cluster meeting “Clusters meet Regions” in Germany was organized in Düsseldorf by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and NRW.innovativ.
Under the heading “Twin transition through innovation – the role of clusters in the development towards a climate-neutral and digital industrial region”, the focus was on the opportunities for cluster organizations to support the twin transition. Under the heading “Twin transition through innovation – the role of clusters in the development towards a climate-neutral and digital industrial region”, the focus was on the possibilities of cluster organizations in supporting the twin transition. ProduktionNRW, as a mechanical engineering and production technology cluster from North Rhine-Westphalia, took part in the event in order to coordinate the potential for cooperation with other NRW clusters for these transformation processes.
Transformation processes in Europe and the role of clusters and networks
The event program included keynote speeches, panel discussions and individual exchange formats. For example, Jakub Boratynski (Director Networks & Governance, DG GROW, European Commission) explained how cluster organizations act as drivers of green change in European regions.
In addition to panel discussions between cluster organizations, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Commission, the focus was on the exchange between the clusters. In matchmaking sessions, participants were able to make appointments in advance with interesting cluster organizations in order to look specifically at cooperation potential. On the following day, participants were able to visit ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe in Duisburg, which is currently working on the decarbonization of steel production through the use of hydrogen.
Context and objectives
In the period from 2022 to 2023, the European Commission is organizing 15 network meetings as part of “Clusters meet Regions”. These events bring together clusters and EU policy makers at national, regional and local level to learn from each other. In Düsseldorf, the event brought together more than 70 representatives from cluster organizations, policy makers, business support organizations and other relevant stakeholders such as researchers and other innovation drivers.
Further information can be found at
Source: https://clustercollaboration.eu/content/clusters-meet-regions-dusseldorf-germany