Exploring the Impact of Clusters in Interregional Innovation Investments

On June 25, 2025, the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) will host the eighth virtual event of the I3 Instrument Support Facility, focusing on the crucial role that clusters and networks play in Interregional Innovation Investments (I3). This initiative, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), aims to foster collaboration across regions by supporting innovation projects in shared smart specialization areas and creating interregional value chains.

The significance of clusters in this context cannot be understated. According to Antonio Novo, Director at EISMEA, approximately 70% of the projects funded under the I3 Instrument involve clusters as consortium members, highlighting their strategic importance in driving innovation and investment across regions. As of September 2024, a total of 77 clusters have participated in I3 Instrument projects, underscoring their vital role in enhancing regional innovation ecosystems.

Historically, clusters have acted as intermediaries and catalysts within regional innovation ecosystems, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders, enhancing industrial engagement, and promoting knowledge exchange. Their involvement is essential in the context of cohesion policy, where they help bridge gaps between industry, academia, and public sectors.

The upcoming session will delve into the value of clusters in implementing I3 Instrument projects. It will showcase three case studies: Flanders’ Food in Belgium, the Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster in Spain, and Polymeris in France. Each case will illustrate the distinct roles that clusters can assume in these projects, including coordination, ensuring quadruple helix participation, building interregional value chains, and securing investments.

Experts will engage in discussions about how to strengthen cluster involvement in the I3 framework and enhance their impact on interregional cooperation. This dialogue aims to address how clusters can ensure sustainable collaboration beyond the completion of projects.

Dr. Veerle De Graef, Internationalisation Manager at Flanders’ Food, will present insights into how the cluster has mobilized stakeholders to advance food technology innovations. Santiago Cuesta, Managing Director of the Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster, will discuss the cluster's efforts in promoting sustainable practices in the mining sector, while Patrick Vuillermoz, Director General of Polymeris, will highlight the role of the polymer industry in fostering innovation across Europe.

This event is not only a platform for showcasing successful projects but also an opportunity for stakeholders to interact and share best practices. The discussions will be moderated to ensure an inclusive exchange of ideas, and participants will be encouraged to contribute their perspectives on enhancing cluster participation in I3 projects.

In conclusion, the I3 Instrument Support Facility's focus on clusters emphasizes the essential role of collaboration in driving innovation across Europe. As regions increasingly rely on interregional value chains, the insights gained from this event will be pivotal in shaping future investments and policies aimed at fostering innovation and growth across diverse sectors.