Description
The Clusters Meet Regions initiative brings the European cluster community closer to regional actors to explore how cooperation can strengthen industrial ecosystems and accelerate Europe’s green and digital transitions.
This edition, co-organised by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) in partnership with Sodena and the Government of Navarra, will take place in Pamplona on 12–13 November 2025.
Navarra is a region with a strong industrial tradition, particularly in automotive, renewable energy, health, electronics, and agrofood, making it an ideal setting to discuss how regions and clusters can jointly recover Europe’s strategic autonomy.
Navarra’s industrial ecosystem is marked by strong assets in automotive, renewable energy, health, electronics, and agrifood, yet faces the reality of adapting to electrification, scaling renewable innovation, and ensuring SME competitiveness within European value chains.
🗓️ Draft Agenda
Objectives
The event will not only showcase policies and opportunities but also address the reality of Navarra’s industrial transformation — from the challenges of electrification in automotive, to the need for scaling renewable energy technologies, strengthening pharma and agrifood competitiveness, and tackling SME access to finance and internationalisation.
Showcase regional and EU cluster policies and their alignment.
Address the transition of traditional sectors, with a focus on automotive.
Highlight clusters as investment hubs and drivers of competitiveness.
Present opportunities in emerging technologies such as electronics, drones, and pharma.
Discuss the implementation of the Net-Zero Industry Act and circular economy strategies for critical raw materials.
Facilitate networking and matchmaking between European clusters, SMEs, and stakeholders.
Thematic Focus
Alignment of regional and EU cluster policies
Role of clusters in the industrial and green transitions
Transition of traditional sectors (e.g. automotive, construction)
Development of emerging sectors (biotech, advanced electronics)
Clean Industry Deal and Net-Zero Industrial Strategy
Interregional and cross-border cooperation
Who Should Attend
Cluster organisations and business associations
SMEs and industry representatives
Regional and national authorities
Innovation and research actors
EU institutions and policy stakeholders
Programme Highlights
Day 1 – 12 November
Opening by Sodena, Government of Navarra, European Commission, ECCP
Presentation of Navarra’s cluster ecosystem & regional strategies
Keynote: Reindustrialising Europe – recovering strategic autonomy
Panels on: Regional approaches to cluster policy; Automotive sector in transition; Clusters as investment hubs; Strategic autonomy in tech sectors (electronics, drones, pharma)
Pitching Session – open to registered participants
Matchmaking & B2B meetings – dedicated space for business connections
Evening: Guided tour of Pamplona & Networking Dinner
Day 2 – 13 November
Keynote: Net-Zero Industry Act
Panels on: Net-Zero Acceleration Valleys; Circular economy strategies for critical raw materials
Closing session by Government of Navarra & ECCP
Networking Brunch
Study visits (parallel tracks): Track A: Renewable Energy Tech Park & CENER – National Renewable Energy Centre; Track B: Digital Innovation Hub, NAITEC (automotive & electronics), university labs
Matchmaking Opportunity
The event will feature a dedicated matchmaking area on 12 November, where participants can book B2B meetings and explore new opportunities for cooperation, project development, and business growth. This is a unique chance for clusters and companies to build cross-border partnerships and strengthen value chains.
Venue & Logistics
Venue: BALUARTE Conference Centre & Auditorium
Rooms: LUNETA and CITADEL – compliant with Clusters Meet Regions event needs.
Getting to Pamplona:
By Plane
Pamplona Airport (domestic): 6.5 km from city centre
Bilbao Airport: 159 km (1.5 hrs by car)
Biarritz Airport (France): 127 km (1.5 hrs by car)
By Train
Direct trains from Madrid and Barcelona
Hendaye (France): 80 km, connected to Paris
By Bus
Central bus station is adjacent to BALUARTE
Frequent connections with Spanish towns and local villages
Accommodation:
Multiple hotels within walking distance
Preferential rates to be negotiated with two nearby hotels (max 15-minute walk)
Registration
Registration will open soon. Stay TUNED!