Discussion topics and activities
Although the ECA is an open discussion platform, the initial topics that will form part of the cluster policy dialogue between its members will be linked to the work undertaken in the “taskforces” of the “Reflection Group” developed within the TACTICS project and composed of 14 high level European cluster policy makers, as well as with the outputs of the European Cluster Policy Group which is expected to deliver practical and concrete policy recommendations.
The ECA has also launched a survey in order to assess the expectations of its current and future members and in particular to identify key topics of interest. The ECA will organise its agenda according to the feedback from this survey.
Some of the following topics are likely to feature in the ECA work programme:
- Fostering international cluster cooperation;
- Evaluating cluster excellence;
- Supporting cluster marketing and branding;
- Using excellent clusters to address emerging industries or new themes such as innovative services, lead markets, public procurement…;
- Channelling research and technological development funding and innovation through excellent clusters;
- User-driven excellent clusters
- Exploring the role clusters can play in addressing major economic or societal challenges (such as climate change, demographics, energy/sustainable development …)
- Exploring new approaches for the development of macro regions through cluster cooperation
- Exchanging on issues regarding open innovation and user driven excellent cluster policies
These topics will be discussed at a variety of ECA events and workshops that will be held across Europe. Relevant experts will be able to review current practices and suggest new policies and projects that could be tested and implemented by ECA members. Other activities will include the dissemination of case studies, best practices and relevant reports all accessible via the ECA web site.
