Description
Smarter together: Advancing agri-food innovation across borders
Exploring how policy and clusters can unlock the full potential of interregional ecosystems
23 June, 2025 at 11:00 – 12:15 CET
You will gain insights from recent Stakeholder community events and engage in interactive discussion about
- Intersectoral & Interregional Collaboration
- Clusters & Innovation Ecosystem Strengthening
To support your active participation, we kindly ask you to review the statements below before the event:
Intersectoral & Interregional Collaboration
SMEs benefit significantly from collaboration across sectors and regions — especially when clusters, tech partners, and agri-food actors complement each other’s expertise. Trust-based relationships, cluster support, and targeted funding calls (like I3) help build strong cross-regional partnerships. However, progress is often hindered by fragmented policy frameworks, administrative burdens, and a lack of dedicated funding for interregional work. Many SMEs are unaware of such opportunities or face misaligned eligibility rules across regions, making participation difficult. Strengthening cross-border collaboration requires clear incentives, reduced bureaucracy, and more flexible, demand-driven support instruments.
Clusters & Ecosystem Strengthening
Clusters are essential enablers of SME innovation. When well connected to SME needs and equipped with the right resources, they act as innovation brokers — bringing companies, researchers, and public authorities together. Clusters also represent SME interests in policy dialogues and build long-term partnerships that sustain innovation. Yet, many operate on short-term project funding and lack strategic recognition at policy level. Limited involvement in programme design and insufficient engagement with policymakers further reduce their impact. Empowering clusters with long-term support and a stronger role in shaping regional and EU policies is key to strengthening innovation ecosystems.
Programme:
11:00 – 11:05 Welcome and introduction
11:05 – 11:10 SS4AF and the HIGHFIVE project: intersectoral and interregional collaboration to active innovation ecosystems - Veerle De Graef, Flanders FOOD, project coordinator
11:10 – 11:20 Key conclusions from stakeholder community meetings - Barbara Rupnik, CCIS
11:20 – 12:20 Interactive sessions - moderator: Ana Felgueiras, Clusaga • Intersectoral & Interregional Collaboration • Clusters & Innovation Ecosystem Strengthening
2.20 – 12.30 Wrap-up and next steps