Clusters Meet Regions Expression of Interest Open Call
Since the launch of the initiative in 2022, nineteen workshops have been held across the EU, covering regions from north to south and east to west. The 2025 calendar already includes upcoming editions in Heilbronn, Palma de Mallorca, Rzeszów, Cluj, Ajdovščina and more.
The objective of this call for expression of interest is to identify interested co-hosts of future “Clusters Meet Regions” workshops.
This is a unique opportunity to bring together key stakeholders in your region and connect your local ecosystem with the broader European cluster and innovation community.
Applicants are invited to express an interest for an event that could be scheduled in the second half of 2025 (with preference for the months of October or November). Priority will be given to first complete the calendar of ECCP events for this present year and good applications that may not be considered for an event in 2025 due to high demand may eventually be considered for an event in 2026.
The European Commission will make the final selection based on the criteria outlined below, taking into account regional relevance, political priorities, and geographic balance.
In this process, the European Commission will also consider the balance with already confirmed workshop locations, ensuring geographic diversity and complementarity across the full calendar. Attention will be paid to avoiding overlap in timing or duplication of thematic focus. In addition, broader policy considerations such as supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical challenges affecting multiple Member States may also inform the final selection.
Each workshop is expected to support both cluster managers and policymakers in delivering regional priorities and strengthening the role of clusters in driving innovation and economic transformation at the local level. The European Commission will select particular locations and dates for these workshops based on the criteria presented below and also taking into account political priorities and supply chain problems related to the current geopolitical situation affecting not only the host region but also a critical number of regions in other Member States.
This call for applications is addressed to any cluster stakeholder who is either actively participating in, or interested in, the economic development of their region. It is open to institutions such as clusters, regional agencies for economic development, and business network groups. Please note that a letter of support from your regional authority is needed if you want to apply. Proposals from national and/or regional authorities are also welcomed.
The selection of the hosting regions will follow up based on the deadline, further specified in the Call for Expression of Interest.
Deadline for submission of the Expression of Interest
This call for expression of interest is continuously open. However, applications will be deemed admissible to be considered for a certain quarter of the year only if they are sent before the respective cut-off date. The selection of the hosting regions will follow up based on the respective cut-off dates:
30 May 2025 - 18:00 CET (Brussels time)
Selected applicants will be contacted by the ECCP team for a coordination meeting with the European Commission.
Applications submitted for this cut-off will be considered for the selection of events in 2025. However, they might also – if deemed of good quality - be taken into account for potential future openings, without the need to submit a new application. Applicants are encouraged to update or complement their original proposal, should additional opportunities arise.
If you need an inspirational example of what kind of event is desired, you can visit the ECCP website where you will find all the background information of all ‘Clusters meet Regions’ events held in the period 2022-2024, and those scheduled till the end of this year.
If you think you could organise one of these 16 events and you need more information about what to do next, please contact us at: clustersmeetregions [at] clustercollaboration.eu
Read the Call for Expression of Interest
Annex I: Application Form
Annex II: White Book
The application must be filled out in English. Only submissions that are complete and submitted on time will be evaluated. This Call is an Expression of Interest invitation only. It is not an offer, and the submission of an Expression of Interest does not establish any sort of contract or agreement between the European Commission, the European Cluster Collaboration Platform, and the organisation expressing interest in hosting a ‘Clusters meet Regions’ event.
