Successful Conclusion of the 4th Cluster Booster Academy: Empowering the Cluster Community for a Sustainable Future
The European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) proudly concluded the 4th Cluster Booster Academy (CBA), marking an important step in our mission to support European cluster managers and strengthen cross-border collaborations. This event provided clusters with the tools to drive innovation and helped build a strong community of professionals working towards a sustainable future for Europe.
We were delighted to welcome 26 participants to this final edition of the CBA. Over the course of the academy, participants engaged in various challenges, shared best practices, and exchanged experiences from their respective countries. It was inspiring to see both the differences and similarities in cluster management across Europe, showing how the European cluster ecosystem is growing and adapting to new challenges.
Virtual Training Sessions: Building Strong Foundations
The virtual training sessions, held on November 6, 11, and 15, 2024, provided a strong foundation for the in-person coaching sessions. These sessions focused on reviewing cluster strategies and developing business models to identify blind spots and opportunities for improvement. Participants worked on their own business model canvases, offering insights into their structures and setups to inspire others.
A key moment was Krzysztof Mieszkowski from the Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies (CEZAMAT) in Warsaw, Poland, who shared valuable insights on bridging the gap between basic research and industrial implementation through European projects. His talk encouraged participants to think creatively about how clusters can support innovation and foster collaboration between research and industry.
David Munis Zepernick from the Medicon Valley Alliance in Copenhagen, Denmark, also contributed greatly by discussing how their Danish-Swedish Life-Science organisation strengthens cross-border networks and creates value for members while generating additional revenue. His insights helped participants think about applying best practices to their own business models.
The virtual sessions allowed participants to dive deep into their cluster challenges, preparing them for the practical, hands-on experiences that followed in Warsaw.
In-Person Sessions in Warsaw: Turning Ideas into Action
After the virtual sessions, the in-person coaching sessions, held on March 3-4, 2025, in Warsaw, Poland, gave participants the chance to apply their learning in a practical setting. One of the highlights of the event was an informative presentation by Lorenzo Valerio from the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche on the ERA_FABRIC project. This initiative supports companies in prioritising investments and reforms to accelerate the green and digital transformation, improve access to excellence, and translate research and innovation results into economic growth.
Participants also toured the advanced CEZAMAT facilities, where they took part in discussions on daily challenges such as sustainable financing, service portfolios, and member engagement. With expert coaching and peer exchanges, participants refined their value propositions and clarified their messaging and positioning as clusters.
Participants were encouraged to network, share their daily routines, and exchange best practices, as well as upcoming initiatives. Many took the opportunity to present their upcoming projects, including cascade funding opportunities and hackathon events, which sparked further collaboration. Marta Mackiewicz from the Polish Cluster Association and the Warsaw School of Economics also joined us to discuss effective cluster cooperation and share insights on how clusters can work together more efficiently.
Armed with new insights and actionable plans, participants left the academy equipped to take the next steps in their cluster management journeys. We are grateful to all the participants and speakers for their valuable contributions and look forward to further collaborative opportunities in the future.
For those interested in the training materials used during the academy, the documents are available for download below.
