Description

This is the 16^th workshop of the successful series of events “Clusters meet Regions”. Organised since 2022 in different EU regions, these events bring together clusters and policymakers of the EU, national, regional and local level to learn from each other how to better use clusters to strengthen industrial ecosystems, to serve national/regional economic development and to liaise with other regions facing similar transition challenges.

This event will take place in Styria / Graz. Following the successful tradition across various EU regions, this event serves as a beacon for cluster-driven economic development, echoing the region's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and resilience.

In partnership with the European Cluster Collaboration Platform on behalf of the European Commission and in collaboration with regional partners, Styria proudly hosts the forthcoming 'Clusters Meet Regions' event in Graz, Austria, on the 18 and 19 of June. Anchored in the theme of Tradition Reinvented, the event aims to explore how clusters can spearhead transformative shifts towards a climate-neutral, digital future, aligning with European sustainability goals.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES

Building upon Styria's rich industrial heritage and forward-looking policies, the event delves into the strategic imperatives driving the region's economic development. With a keen focus on innovation ecosystems and sustainable growth strategies, Styria's approach mirrors European directives while carving its unique path towards economic resilience.

Since the inception of the Styrian Smart Specialisation Strategy, the region has championed innovation as a catalyst for economic revitalisation. Through strategic alignment with European policies and robust regional collaboration, Styria has emerged as a trailblazer in sectors ranging from digitalisation to sustainability.

TARGET GROUPS

The 'Clusters Meet Regions' event in Graz serves as a melting pot for diverse stakeholders. From cluster managers to policymakers, industry experts to SMEs, the event fosters cross-sectoral dialogue and collaboration, catalysing innovative solutions to pressing challenges.

Representing the epitome of industrial excellence, Styria's clusters—ACstyria Mobilitätscluster, Creative Industries Styria, Green Tech Valley Cluster, Holzcluster Steiermark, Human.technology Styria, and Silicon Alps Cluster—take centre stage, showcasing the region's prowess in innovation and sustainable development.

AGENDA OVERVIEW

The event's agenda features a diverse array of activities, including high-level plenary sessions, interactive discussions, pitching sessions and a guided tour of Graz's innovation hubs. Additionally, the event celebrates entrepreneurial spirit with company pitches underscoring Styria's commitment to nurturing emerging talent and fostering innovation.

Day 1 - Tuesday, 18 June 2024 (CET)

09:00 - Registration of participants and welcome coffee

09:30 – 10:00 - Setting the scene: Tradition Reinvented: how clusters lead resilient, innovative shifts towards a climate-neutral, digital future

10:00 – 10:15 - Introduction to the regional cluster ecosystem of Styria – Presentation of the ECCP input paper on Styria

10:15 – 10:30 - Styria's Cluster Strengths – innovation through tradition / collaboration between science and industry

10:30– 11:30 - Panel discussion I – strategic approaches – the role of regional clusters in developing resilient ecosystems

The discussion will center on strategic and theoretical approaches exploring how cluster organisations can bolster resilience within regional innovation ecosystems. The aim of the panel discussion is to glean insights into how policymakers and regional authorities can empower cluster organisations to become catalysts for resilience-building and adaptation.

11:30 - 12:30 - Pitching session – interregional cooperation as driver of twin transition processes

12:30 – 13:30 - Networking lunch

13:30 – 14:30 - B2B meetings organised by the Enterprise Europe Network team of the SFG 20-minute meetings with regional cluster organisations to discuss potential collaborative opportunities

14:30 – 14:45 - Coffee break

14:45 – 16:00 - Interactive Workshops (emphasis on cross-cluster activities, interregional cluster projects, and alignment with S3 Strategy Themes for a resilient ecosystem) 

The second discussion will emphasise the practitioner's perspective by inviting cluster managers from both regional and international cluster organisations. The panel's objective is to acquire practical and targeted insights into how regional cluster organisations serve as regional facilitators for structural change and resilience.

16:00 - 16:30 - Regional and EU financial instruments and programmes Success Story Spitzen!Leistung 2022+ (ERDF)

16:30 – 17:00 - Closing remarks and summary of outcomes Day 1

17:00 – 18:00 - Networking Cocktail including B2B meetings organised by the Enterprise Europe Network team of the SFG

Day 2 - Wednеsday, 19 June 2024 (CET)

Site Visits

08:30 – 10:00 - Graz City Tour

10:00 – 12:00 - Site Visit - AVL  

Automotive driven

Life-Science driven

12:00 - Snack

after 12:00 - Individual Transfer

REGISTRATION

Registration will be available via B2Match for the 'Clusters Meet Regions' event in Graz, Austria.  Join us as we embark on a transformative journey towards a climate-neutral, digital future, where tradition meets innovation and collaboration paves the way for sustainable economic growth.

Stay tuned!