The ECPG’s final report

2. The ECPG’s final report Structured in two parts: • Three core principles for the next stage of cluster programmes • Eight action proposals directed at both the EU and Member State levels Final report and consolidated PR available at:http://www.proinno-europe.eu/ecpg 28-09-2014 side 2

3. Three principles for the next stage of cluster programmes • Cluster programmes need to be leveraged with vigorous efforts to strengthen framework conditions • Public support for cluster programmes needs to be based on clusters’ ability and willingness to upgrade in the face of global competition • Cluster programmes need to be delivered in an integrated policy framework with clearly assigned roles and responsibilities for the Commission and EU Member States 28-09-2014 side 3

4. Eight proposals for action • Align funding priorities in the EU budget with competitiveness • Enhance cluster-related framework conditions • Review current profile of funding recipients at EU and Member State levels • Encourage better cluster programmes at the EU Member State level 28-09-2014 side 4

5. Eight proposals for action • Streamline EU funding for clusters by creating a unified set of administrative procedures • Improve coordination of cluster programmes across DGs • Institutionalise the provision of the cluster knowledge/data base • Enhance European platforms for cluster collaboration 28-09-2014 side 5

6. The complementary report – the consolidated set of PR Structured along four themes: • Better Support to International Cluster Cooperation • The Role of Clusters in Support of Emerging Industries • Raising the Excellence of Clusters and Cluster Organisations • Creating Better Synergies between Community Instruments for Cluster Excellence 28-09-2014 side 6

7. The complementary report – the consolidated set of PR Structured along four themes: • Better Support to International Cluster Cooperation • The Role of Clusters in Support of Emerging Industries • Raising the Excellence of Clusters and Cluster Organisations • Creating Better Synergies between Community Instruments for Cluster Excellence 28-09-2014 side 7

8. Better Support to International Cluster Cooperation – what are the problems? • In general, a lack of critical mass leading to a need to link-up to other clusters to enable access to new markets, research experts and knowledge infrastructure • In particular: • Lack of structured information on clusters’ internationalisation needs and potential partners • Low capabilities for working strategically with international partners • Lack of tailored financing schemes for internationalisation activities • Lack of structured opportunities for meeting and developing relations with potential international partners (including tailored mobility schemes between cluster stakeholders) 28-09-2014 side 8

9. Three Recommendations • Provide Data on the Real Cluster Landscape • Provide an open and interactive platform on which more detailed information on clusters could be registered and used by the clusters themselves • Expand statistical data available through the European Cluster Observatory to include data on performance and framework conditions, and at greater levels of disaggregation • Promote Strategic and Commercial Networking of Clusters • Offer co-funding of national programmes that allow funding of cluster participants located in other EU Member States • Improve networking of clusters within the EU and globally through financial schemes/programmes geared to commercial-collaborative projects on EU-level and internationally • Take on more focused efforts to ensure market conditions conducive to international cooperation (e.g. low administrative burdens, etc.) • Solicit the development of a toolbox for cooperation among clusters aiming at international networking and internationalisation 28-09-2014 side 9

10. Three Recommendations (continued) • Promote International Mobility of Cluster Actors • Develop transnational mobility schemes for cluster actors (including companies, academia and managers) • Expand Marie Curie actions to include firm employees and cluster managers (and not just researchers) • Explore development and piloting of a European Cross-Cluster Mentoring Programme targeted at developing competencies needed in cluster management 28-09-2014 side 10

11. What is being done? Recommendations Actions underway • Provide Data on the Real Cluster Landscape • Provide an open and interactive platform used by the clusters themselves • Expand statistical data to include data on performance and framework conditions • Promote Strategic and Commercial Networking of Clusters • Co-fund national programmes that allow funding of cluster participants located in other MS • Improve networking of clusters within the EU and globally through financial schemes/programmes • Take on more focused efforts to ensure market conditions conducive to international cooperation • Develop a toolbox for clusters aiming at international networking and internationalisation • (ECEI) Cluster Collaboration Platform • European Cluster Observatory + new call • New call • (TACTICS) Action Area on Financing – Innovation Express • (TACTICS) ”Handbook” on International Cluster Cooperation 28-09-2014 side 11

12. What is being done? Recommendations Actions underway • Promote International Mobility of Cluster Actors • Develop transnational mobility schemes for cluster actors (including companies, academia and managers) • Expand Marie Curie actions to include firm employees and cluster managers (and not just researchers) • Explore development and piloting of a European Cross-Cluster Mentoring Programme targeted at developing competencies needed in cluster management • (TACTICS) Action Area on Better Skills for Internationalisation – Mentoring Scheme (in cooperation with ECEI) • (TACTICS) Action Area on Inter-Cluster Initiatives • (TACTICS) Action Area on International Access to Open (and User-driven) Innovation Arenas 28-09-2014 side 12