Description
Transformation of the manufacturing industry:
The path towards Artificial Intelligence and Hydrogen
The European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), on behalf of the European Commission and in collaboration with Wirtschaftsförderung Raum Heilbronn GmbH, the Cluster Initiative TRANSFORMOTIVE DIALOG and the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg organised the Clusters Meet Regions event in Heilbronn, Germany, on 9 & 10 April 2025.
The conference aimed to bring up new insights and ideas that may contribute to cluster policy in general but also to future EU policies. It examined the transformative role of clusters in driving innovation, promoting sustainability, and strengthening resilience within regional and European ecosystems. With Heilbronn's leadership in cutting-edge sectors like Automotive, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace, Robotics & Artificial Intelligence and Hydrogen, the event offered participants a first-hand experience and an excellent basis for discussion on how clusters are central in a thriving regional innovation ecosystem and are key contributors to European competitiveness.
Building on the successful tradition of previous events across Europe, the Heilbronn edition provided a platform for cross-sector collaboration, dynamic discussions, and hands-on engagement through site visits, matchmakings, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.
🗓️ Final Agenda
📑Read the event summary
Presented materials in the frame of the event:
- Master Slides - download file
- Dr. Patrick Rapp, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of the State of Baden-Württemberg - download file
- Jan-Philipp Kramer, Head of EU Services, Prognos, ECCP Team Member - download file
- Patrick Dufour, Managing Director of Regional development agency Heilbronn - download file
- Dr. Hans Halmosi, Managing Director of Halmosi GmbH - download file
- Workshops on Hydrogen Energy Transition: From Strategy to Implementation - download file
- Sophia Röger, Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI Heilbronn) - download file
- Wrap up - download file
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES
Heilbronn, a dynamic region at the heart of Europe, is renowned for its strong innovation culture and triple-helix collaboration model, where industry, education/academia, and public authorities work hand-in-hand. This collaborative spirit has positioned Heilbronn as a leader in automotive, mechanical engineering, artificial intelligence and hydrogen innovation, driving regional and European growth.
The Clusters Meet Regions event in Heilbronn focused on:
Strengthening and connecting regional innovation ecosystems in Heilbronn-Franconia´s key areas ‘Automotive & Logistics’, ‘Manufacturing’, ‘Artificial Intelligence’, ‘Hydrogen’, focusing on topics such as knowledge valorisation, startup and scale-up support and technology infrastructures.
Supporting SME resilience and cross-border collaboration to adapt to global challenges.
Showcasing best practices in cluster management and regional development.
This aligns with the Federal State’s RIS3 strategy and the European Green Deal, highlighting Heilbronn’s commitment to addressing climate, energy, and digital transformation goals.
TARGET GROUPS
The event engaged stakeholders from across Europe, including:
- Regional authorities and policymakers.
- Cluster organisations.
- SMEs, startups, and scale-ups in automotive, manufacturing in general, technology and hydrogen.
- Academic and research institutions.
- Industry leaders in automotive, mechanical engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, hydrogen.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Strengthened collaborations among clusters, SMEs, and policymakers.
- Enhanced knowledge of Heilbronn’s innovation ecosystem.
- Contribution to European Green Deal and RIS3 strategies.
- Identification of new cross-border partnerships and opportunities for technological growth.
LOGISTICAL INFORMATION
- Venue: Handwerkskammer Heilbronn-Franken, Heilbronn.
- Accessibility: Frankfurt Airport (90 minutes) and Stuttgart Airport (60 minutes).
- Public transport connections ensure seamless mobility.