During a meeting with Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy, the ClusterAllianz.NRW presented its newly developed paper on the future of cluster structures in North Rhine-Westphalia. The paper outlines how a forward-looking and cohesive cluster policy in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) can enhance the region’s innovation and competitiveness while enabling and accelerating future-oriented solutions in areas such as decarbonisation, digitalisation, and other key transformation processes.

“Especially in turbulent times, we need strong networks and clear perspectives. The position paper by ClusterAllianz.NRW demonstrates the importance of cross-sector collaboration to bring new ideas and technologies from North Rhine-Westphalia to life. By pooling the knowledge of our clusters, we create real opportunities – especially for small and medium-sized enterprises that often lack the resources to drive innovation on their own. Together, we can further develop NRW as a strong and future-proof business location,” emphasised Minister Mona Neubaur during the handover of the position paper by ClusterAllianz.NRW to the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.

With the position paper “Cluster.Zukunft.NRW”, the ClusterAllianz.NRW – established in 2024 – has developed a joint strategic policy paper that highlights the role of cluster organisations as key players in empowering innovation, boosting competitiveness, and actively shaping major transformation drivers such as decarbonisation, digitalisation, demographics, and de-globalisation in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Against the backdrop of current challenges – from rising energy costs and a shortage of skilled labour to digitalisation and AI, sustainability, and global uncertainties – the paper shows how cluster organisations contribute to innovative solutions through targeted services, networking formats, and knowledge transfer offerings. It addresses both proven cluster services such as technology transfer, funding advice or startup support, and the international visibility and European networking of companies.

“As a cluster community, we launched the ClusterAllianz.NRW last year. It stands for our commitment to work together across thematic boundaries. With our paper ‘Cluster.Zukunft.NRW’, we reaffirm our willingness to collaborate, highlight successful examples, services and instruments of our work, and propose how we can further develop these assets for the benefit of North Rhine-Westphalia" emphasised Dr. Daniel Stadler, Managing Director of EIN Quantum NRW and member of the ClusterAllianz.NRW.

The paper also positions clusters as key drivers of transformation. Whether through promoting the circular economy and green technologies, supporting digital key technologies, or building resilient value chains – clusters make a vital contribution to securing the future of the region. They also play a key role in addressing skills shortages, for example through strategic educational partnerships or by facilitating access to international talent. With over 30 concrete policy impulses, the paper offers a practical contribution to the further development of cluster policy in NRW – and invites policymakers, administrators, and innovation stakeholders to engage in open dialogue about the future of the region as a business and innovation hub.

Minister Neubaur acknowledged the commitment of ClusterAllianz.NRW and underlined the role of clusters as central players in NRW’s innovation and regional development policy. The meeting marked an important step toward deeper cooperation between the state government and cluster actors.
ClusterAllianz.NRW as a unified voice for cluster organisations in North Rhine-Westphalia

The ClusterAllianz.NRW was founded in 2024 as an independent, cross-cluster and cross-network body to strengthen exchange among the state-wide cluster organisations and networks in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its goal is to pool knowledge and experience and to form a holistic, cross-cutting perspective for dialogue with the state government and other relevant stakeholders. At the core lies a shared commitment to actively shape a future-ready, innovative, and strong economic region in NRW.

Regional economic research clearly shows that well-developed cluster ecosystems significantly enhance innovation capacity, competitiveness, employment, and the ability to manage major transformation processes. Numerous studies support this – for instance, the European Cluster Panorama Report 2024 illustrates the central role cluster organisations play in promoting innovation, resilience, and the green and digital transition by fostering knowledge transfer, strengthening cooperation between business and science, and supporting the adaptability of regional economies.

The ClusterAllianz.NRW also actively addresses new developments and challenges, providing input for the further development of cluster policies. Three central goals shape its work: systematic exchange of experience, promotion of cross-sector and cross-technology cooperation – also across regional borders – and coordinated external communication to increase the visibility and impact of NRW’s diverse cluster landscape. When developing and refining instruments and tools, special attention must be paid to the specific needs and challenges of different ecosystems in order to provide tailored solutions.

Additional voices at ClusterAllianz.NRW

Ines Rainer, Project Manager at creative.nrw:
“Cross-industry cooperation, continuous knowledge and experience exchange, and strong networks are key drivers of innovation, resilience, and the transformation toward a sustainable economy. ClusterAllianz.NRW thus provides an important foundation for the effectiveness of innovation clusters in North Rhine-Westphalia.”

Dr. Patrick Guidato, Clustermanager des Clusters Medizin.NRW:
“Clusters build bridges within their sectors and thus support value chains. The ClusterAllianz.NRW builds bridges between clusters, promoting cross-industry value chains and strengthening innovation across business and science in the entire state.”

Stephan Vogelskamp, Managing Director of automotiveland.nrw:
“Through ClusterAllianz.NRW, clusters are given the opportunity to bring their – mutually coordinated – perspectives and goals into continuous dialogue with the state government.”

Clusters involved in the development of the Zukunftspapier of ClusterAllianz.NRW: