On 14 January 2026, the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) hosted an EU Clusters Talk focused on Joint Cluster Initiatives, presenting a new set of eight Euroclusters projects funded under Strand 2 (IT, agri-food, textiles, defence, creative, and others). The online session brought together European cluster stakeholders to introduce the scope, objectives and collaborative ambition of these newly selected projects, which aim to strengthen SME competitiveness and resilience across industrial ecosystems.

The event highlighted how the new Euroclusters contribute to Europe’s twin green and digital transitions by fostering cross-sectoral and cross regional cooperation, supporting SME innovation, and facilitating access to international markets and value chains. Presentations emphasised the role of clusters in translating EU industrial policy priorities into practical support mechanisms for companies, particularly SMEs operating in complex and rapidly evolving sectors.

The eight newly presented Euroclusters projects under Strand 2 focus on joint cluster initiatives that enhance industrial resilience, innovation capacity and cross-border collaboration.

Within the textiles ecosystem, two initiatives are encompassed.  

• ELEVATEX aims to accelerate the twin transition of the textile industry through a comprehensive value chain approach, strengthening SME innovation capacity, facilitating market access, and boosting European cross sectoral and cross regional partnerships. The project is expected to launch calls for proposals providing targeted support to SMEs as part of these objectives. The consortium includes five partners from Spain, Italy, France and Portugal.
• FutureProofTextiles aims to support SMEs in the textile industry in navigating the twin green and digital transitions, strengthening their resilience, competitiveness and innovation capacity. To achieve this, the project will offer €50,000 cascade funding grants to 40 SMEs. Of the selected projects, 20 will focus on digital innovation (such as automation, artificial intelligence and data analytics) and 20 on green initiatives (including circular economy practices, waste reduction and sustainable material use). In addition to financial assistance, participating SMEs will benefit from training programmes, mentoring and access to a collaborative innovation space designed to foster knowledge sharing and cross-border cooperation. The project consortium brings together nine partners from Greece, Türkiye, Spain, Italy, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

Both highlighted projects underline the importance of cluster-driven collaboration in helping SMEs overcome structural barriers to adopting advanced technologies and sustainable practices.  

Overall, the EU Clusters Talk showcased how the new Euroclusters projects are positioned to support SMEs in addressing transition challenges while reinforcing cooperation across regions, sectors and value chains. By combining innovation support, partnership building and market-oriented approaches, these initiatives contribute to a more resilient and competitive European industrial landscape.

For full details, readers are invited to watch the recording of the EU Clusters Talk available on the European Cluster Collaboration Platform.