The “Clusters Meet Regions” series aims to link EU cluster policies with regional development strategies by showcasing the role of clusters as key drivers of innovation, competitiveness, and resilience. The Copenhagen edition will be hosted by XO Company/The Global Startup Awards (GSA), a Danish-founded international innovation agency and ecosystem facilitator known for operating the world’s largest independent startup competition. Although not a formal cluster organisation, GSA acts in a cluster-like capacity by connecting startups, SMEs, corporates, investors, public institutions, and support organisations across Europe and globally.

This flagship ECCP initiative reinforces collaboration between European clusters, regional authorities, SMEs, and public institutions, aligning with the EU Industrial Strategy and Smart Specialisation priorities. Copenhagen’s innovation ecosystem—renowned for leadership in the green transition, digital transformation, life sciences, and other strategic sectors—provides an ideal setting. Denmark’s 11 national clusters underpin its industrial and innovation capacity, and the event supports their stronger integration within the European innovation and industrial ecosystem.

Held under the Danish EU Presidency (July–December 2025), which promotes “A strong Europe in a changing world” with a focus on competitiveness, green and digital transitions, and regulatory simplification, this edition gains strategic significance. The event links cluster–startup dynamics with the Presidency’s ambition to enhance innovation ecosystems and foster startup scaling across Europe.

The objectives include integrating Danish clusters into European networks and value chains, enabling startups and SMEs to use clusters as gateways for scaling and EU funding, strengthening Denmark’s contribution to EU industrial cooperation, and showcasing Danish innovation aligned with green and digital priorities. The event also supports concrete partnerships through structured matchmaking and aligns with the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy by offering pathways to Single Market access, scaleup financing, and streamlined regulatory frameworks.

Target participants include cluster managers, SMEs, startups, public authorities, investors, corporates, academia, and international network representatives. Expected outcomes include cross-border cooperation agreements, higher SME participation in EU-funded programmes, greater visibility for Danish clusters and startups, reinforced public–private collaboration, and a clear post-event action plan.

Core themes cover the role of clusters in scaling startups, innovation in cleantech, AI, health tech, defence tech, quantum technologies and sustainability, financing innovation, and Nordic–Baltic and wider European cooperation.

The event will take place on 3–4 December 2025 at the University of Copenhagen Panum and Mærsk Tower, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.