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 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 completing the calendar of ECCP events for this year. Solid applications that are not 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 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 given to avoiding overlaps in timing or duplication of thematic focus. 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 specific locations and dates for these workshops based on the criteria presented below. It will also take 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 welcome. 

The selection of the hosting regions will follow based on the deadline, further specified in the Call for Expression of Interest.

Deadline for submission of the expression of interest

The call for expression of interest is continuously open. However, applications will 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 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 by this cut-off time 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 background information on 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