• Event: Clusters Meet Regions Conference
• Topic: Clusters as drivers of Inter-regional value chains
• Organisers: ECCP, UNDP Moldova, Clustero
• Location: Chișinău, Moldova
• Dates: 10-11.10.2024

On October 10-11, the delegation of clusters from the Ukrainian Cluster Alliance (UCA) participated in the Clusters Meet Regions conference, which is regularly organized by the European Commission and the ECCP (European Cluster Collaboration Platform) in various regions of EU and EaP (Eastern Partnership) countries.

This time, the conference took place in Chișinău, Moldova, with the support of UNDP Moldova and CLUSTERO (the Romanian Cluster Alliance).

Theme: Clusters as drivers of inter-regional value chains.

The conference discussed the role of clusters as reliable partners in the development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of regional development policies and programs, focusing on SMART specialization, entrepreneurship, and skills for the dual (digital and green) industrial transition.

Particular emphasis was placed on the role of clusters in the economic development of the Republic of Moldova and on inter-regional cooperation projects in the Danube and Black Sea regions.

Participants included:

• Representatives of the European Commission and guests from 17 countries of the EU and Eastern Partnership, including:
  • 79 Clusters
  • 26 Research Institutions
  • 7 Civil Society Organizations
  • 3 Regional Development Agencies

Discussions over the two-day program focused on inter-regional projects that foster sector and regional growth, emphasizing the dual green and digital transition and circular economy.

Day 1 Highlights:

The first day included an analysis of supply/value chains in the Danube region and existing gaps between the Eastern and Western parts of the region (the West being more technologically advanced).

Successful cases of inter-regional projects under the Interreg program in the Danube and Black Sea regions were presented, including:

• TEX-DAN (circular approaches in the textile and fashion industries)
• DRWO4.0 (Industry 4.0 transition in the wood industry)
• Greentex (green transition in the textile industry)
• INTERSMARTS (sustainable tourism and Blue Growth)
• Plan C (circular approaches in plastic production)
• SeedGuard (sustainable agriculture)

There was a cluster pitching session, including from UCA—RC Dual-use, APPAU, Kharkiv IT—followed by a matchmaking session in which UCA presented its long-term program approach and project portfolio.

Day 2 Highlights:

The second day was split into two tracks:

1. Dedicated to SME and cluster development in the Republic of Moldova
2. Sustainable development and case studies of Green and Digital Clusters, including the activities of DIHs in Moldova and Romania

The conference concluded with an interactive workshop titled “Enhancing Linkages between Clusters and Businesses: Can AI be the Solution?” facilitated by Andrzej Gero from the Slovak Cluster Union.

During the workshop, participants discussed and collected preliminary requirements for an AI-driven analytical platform for inter-cluster collaboration and value chain analysis in the Danube region.

Key Insights and Outcomes:

• Level of Diplomacy: Economic and business diplomacy formed the essence of all discussions, focusing on collaboration opportunities at regional, national, and inter-regional levels. The programs, projects, and investments discussed have a tangible impact on sectoral and regional development.
• Multi-Level Engagement for Cluster Organizations: Cluster organizations must address multiple scales of interests and influence:
  • Their members
  • Their operating region
  • The industry and national economy
  • Cooperation at inter-regional and international levels (e.g., cross-border projects like those in the Danube and Black Sea)
• Analytical Foundation: Analytical project development and evaluation support requires complex digital, data-driven solutions.
• Opportunities with EaP Countries: There is strong cooperation potential with Eastern Partnership countries (Moldova, Georgia, Armenia), which are open to collaboration and view Ukrainian experience as authoritative.
• Strategic Partnerships: National cluster alliances (Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Finland) are building strategic partnerships.
• New Contacts: New partnerships and contacts were established with universities and research institutions.
• Notable Interests of European Partners:
  • Participation in projects for the recovery and rebuilding of Ukraine
  • UCA’s resource centre concept as a tool for sectoral inter-cluster cooperation on a national scale
  • The Cluster Management Academy project, with plans to launch in Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova and potential involvement of other European universities (e.g., University of Strasbourg)

A significant event was the awarding of UCA clusters with the bronze “Cluster Management Excellence” certification. The article provides details.

Publication prepared by Vasyl Tkachuk, Head of Organizational Development, UCA