Description
The “Clusters Meet Regions” series aims to connect EU cluster policies with regional development strategies, showcasing how clusters can act as key drivers for innovation, competitiveness, and resilience.
The Copenhagen edition will be hosted by XO Company/The Global Startup Awards (GSA), a Danish-founded international innovation agency and ecosystem facilitator, known for operating the world’s largest independent startup competition. While not a formal cluster organisation, GSA performs a cluster-like role by linking startups, SMEs, corporates, investors, public institutions, and support organisations across Europe and globally.
This flagship ECCP initiative strengthens connections between European clusters, regional authorities, SMEs, and public institutions, fostering alignment with the EU Industrial Strategy and Smart Specialisation priorities.
Copenhagen’s innovation ecosystem is uniquely positioned for this platform, with global recognition for leadership in the green transition, digital transformation, life sciences, and other key sectors. Denmark’s 11 national clusters form the backbone of industrial and innovation capacity, and this event will support their deep integration into the European innovation and industrial ecosystem.
This edition comes at a strategically significant moment, held under the Danish EU Presidency (July-December 2025), which is advancing a vision of “A strong Europe in a changing world,” with a clear focus on economic competitiveness, green and digital transitions, and regulatory simplification. Hosting Clusters Meet Regions Copenhagen during this period, enhances its relevance by linking cluster-startup dynamics with the Presidency’s ambition to strengthen innovation ecosystems and support startup scaling in Europe.”
OBJECTIVES
- Integrate Danish clusters into European networks and value chains
Strengthen the connection between Denmark’s 13 national clusters and their European counterparts by facilitating partnerships, joint projects, and participation in EU initiatives. Ensure Danish clusters are well-positioned in emerging European value chains in sectors such as green energy, digital technologies, AI, life sciences, defencetech, quantum and advanced manufacturing. - Enable startups and SMEs to use clusters as gateways for scaling, EU funding, and cross-border collaboration
Leverage clusters as platforms for startups and SMEs to access new markets, participate in European R&D consortia, and secure funding from instruments like Horizon Europe, Interregional Innovation Investments (I3), and the European Innovation Council. - Strengthen Denmark’s role in EU industrial cooperation
Position Denmark as an active contributor to EU industrial policy implementation, supporting the twin transition (green and digital) and advancing resilience in strategic sectors. - Showcase Danish innovation aligned with green and digital transitions
Present solutions from Danish startups, scale-ups, and innovation actors that address EU priorities in, cleantech, AI, health tech, defensetech, Quantum and sustainability, reinforcing Denmark’s image as a frontrunner in these areas. - Facilitate concrete partnerships between clusters, corporates, and public authorities
Create tangible outcomes through structured matchmaking, sector-specific networking, and thematic workshops, enabling the formation of public-private partnerships with measurable impact. - Support the implementation of the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy
Align the event with the EU’s new strategy to boost startup creation, growth, and cross-border scaling. Provide concrete avenues for Danish and European startups to access the Single Market more effectively, tap into scaleup financing, and benefit from streamlined regulatory frameworks. Highlight opportunities within the strategy for innovation procurement, talent mobility, and public-private investment partnerships.
Target Audience
- Cluster managers from Denmark and other European regions
- SMEs, startups, and scale-ups seeking EU-level cooperation and funding
- Public authorities at local, regional, national, and EU levels
- Investors, corporates, academia, and R&D institutions interested in collaborative innovation
- Innovation attachés and representatives from international networks looking to connect with Danish clusters
Expected Outcomes
- Cross-border cooperation agreements between Danish and European clusters
- Increased SME participation in EU-funded programmes and consortia
- Greater visibility for Danish clusters and startups in the European innovation landscape
- Strengthened public-private collaboration, enhancing the ability of Danish clusters to deliver on regional and EU priorities
- Clear post-event action plan for follow-up collaborations and funding opportunities
Core Themes
- Clusters as gateways for startup scaling: How cluster networks can accelerate SME growth across Europe.
- High priority sectors: Advancing innovation across cleantech, AI, health tech, defense tech, quantum technologies, and sustainability.
- Financing innovation: Mobilising EU programmes, regional funds, and private investment.
- Nordic-Baltic and broader European cooperation: Building regional alliances to compete globally and strengthen European security.
AGENDA & REGISTRATION
Draft agenda and registration link will follow soon, STAY TUNED!