Building the next generation of Cluster Facilitators, Project Managers, Mentors and Ecosystem Leaders
The Ukrainian Cluster Alliance launches a new development program for cluster and project managers, designed to address one of the most important challenges facing Ukrainian clusters today: the ability to transform groups of organizations into effective working teams, collaborative projects and sustainable ecosystems.
Over the last years, UCA has accumulated significant experience in cluster development, project management, regional cluster policies, EDIH implementation, and international cooperation. At the same time, a recurring challenge has become increasingly visible across clusters, regional initiatives, working groups, committees, resource centers and innovation ecosystems: strong experts and organizations do not automatically become strong collaborative teams capable of producing significant results.
Many initiatives struggle with:
- launching and facilitating effective working groups;
- maintaining engagement and ownership among participants;
- transforming discussions into projects and investments;
- coordinating complex multi-partner initiatives;
- managing project portfolios and project pipelines;
- building effective collaboration between clusters, regions and ecosystems.
The Cluster PM Excellence Program is designed to address these challenges by developing a new generation of Cluster Mentors, Facilitators and Ecosystem-Oriented Project Managers.
The program combines international expertise, practical workshops, mentoring and real-life implementation.
Participants will learn how to:
- create and facilitate effective working groups;
- transform working groups into projects and consortia;
- coordinate multi-cluster initiatives and partnerships;
- manage project pipelines and portfolios;
- establish regional Project Offices together with Regional Development Agencies;
- apply mentoring and coaching methods to cluster development;
- move from project delivery to outcomes and ecosystem management.
The program is open to representatives of clusters, Regional Development Agencies, EDIHs, UCA committees, resource centers, project managers, mentors and ecosystem coordinators from across the Ukrainian Cluster Alliance network.
Participants will work on real initiatives and projects, applying the acquired methods directly within their organizations and ecosystems.
The ultimate goal is to create a strong community of cluster facilitators and mentors capable of accelerating collaboration, project generation and ecosystem development throughout Ukraine.
Who should apply?
- Cluster Managers
- Project Managers
- Regional Coordinators
- Representatives of Regional Development Agencies
- EDIH Coordinators
- UCA Committee and Resource Center Leaders
- Existing and Future Cluster Mentors
- Leaders of Working Groups and Cluster Initiatives
Priority will be given to applicants who currently lead or are ready to lead working groups, cluster initiatives, resource centers, regional project offices, cluster councils, EDIH working groups or inter-cluster projects and who can immediately apply the acquired methods in practice.
Program Duration: July – August 2026
Format: 5 international workshops, mentoring, practical implementation, peer learning and project development.
Expected Outcomes
- Establish a new skillset (UCA standard) for UCA’s Cluster Mentors and Facilitators
- Stronger working groups and project teams based on trust
- New cluster and inter-cluster projects
- Regional Project Offices and project pipelines
- Improved coordination and collaboration across UCA ecosystems
- Increased capacity to attract funding and implement strategic initiatives
Information about the program’s mentors
Kurt B. Nielsen (Danmark)
The founder of Trust Mediators AMBA, an international cooperative for helping organizations find their way to Organizational Excellence based on Trust. Kurt is highly valued as an educator and has run many educational programs for the last 4+ years, including a recent semester course at KNEU. He was also the founder of AgileLeanHouse AS and was responsible for the overall development of frameworks and tools. Kurt has participated in numerous developments of complex IT systems and projects and has participated in several startup companies.
From 1990 to 2004, he was the CEO of a software company that sold software solutions to the media industry worldwide. From 2005, Kurt has primarily worked as an educator in leadership, Agile, and Scrum. Lately, he has been instrumental in bringing to market the Agile Lean Leadership framework for building Liberating, Constitutional Organizations. He is also the main author of the book “Liberating Organizations” and the upcoming book “The Case for Trust”. Kurt holds an M.Sc.EE from the Danish Technical University.
Robert Fujdiar (Czech Republic)
A member of Trust Mediators, a solid anchor in Central Europe, particularly in the Czech Republic, as he is based in Prague. Robert has substantial knowledge and experience in all things Agile, working as a trainer and coach for both small teams and large businesses.
Robert’s training skills are highly appreciated; he has a unique ability of discernment when it comes to company structures and team dynamics, where he is often able to facilitate novel solutions to entrenched action patterns and structures. His commitment is to get the best out of people and their efforts. Robert has a bachelor’s degree in Software Technologies and Management and a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Economics in Prague.
Facilitator from UCA – Oleksandr Yurchak.
Application deadline: June 16, 2026
Participation is free of charge but is subject to special selection criteria. Register now: