Resilience and security are becoming cornerstones of Europe’s future industrial and societal landscape. The comprehensive security approach integrates civilian and military preparedness, safeguards vital societal functions, and enhances Europe’s resilience under normal conditions and in times of crisis. Comprehensive security addresses the need to protect critical infrastructures, secure supply chains, and ensure the continuity of essential services, while at the same time driving industrial modernisation, innovation, and cross-sectoral cooperation. It spans domains from defence and dual-use technologies to cyber resilience, food security, energy systems, and social innovation, creating new opportunities for businesses at the interfaces of different fields. Cluster organisations are expected to play a central role in advancing this agenda by mobilising industry and innovation capacities across sectors.

To explore these opportunities, the European Cluster Collaboration Platform, on behalf of the European Commission, hosted the EU Clusters Talk: “Comprehensive Security: Building Resilience and Industrial Innovation Across Sectors” on 8 October, from 08:30 to 9:45 CET. This session outlined the main dimensions of comprehensive security, provided practical examples, and discussed how clusters can contribute to – and benefit from – this transformative agenda.

Speakers included: 

• Carmen Sillero Illanes, Senior Policy Analyst, Joint Research Council, European Commission
• Alexandre Yurchak, CEO, Ukrainian Cluster Alliance
• Harriet Lonka, Project Lead, Comprehensive Security Cluster North Savo
• Petri Nykänen, Director, Tampere Region Safety and Security Cluster
• Simone Sparano, Head of European Affairs, UnionCamere Campania