The EU Cluster Initiatives were introduced to facilitate market entry and market penetration for SMEs. The objective is to enable clusters to work together across Europe supporting cross-sectoral value chains and improving cluster excellence. The Evaluation Results Regarding the functioning of the EU cluster funding initiatives, a complex picture emerges. The evaluation found that the cluster support measures are largely considered to be well structured and internally coherent. The set objectives, i.e. organised events, initiated partnerships and support for SMEs, are largely achieved. The use of cluster organisations as intermediaries in the support and transfer of financial resources to SMEs ("cascade funding") is regarded as efficient, since the administrative obstacles are comparatively low. Platforms have contributed to improving the work of cluster organisations, for example in key dimensions such as cooperation, matchmaking and advice to members of the clusters. Furthermore, the platforms have contributed to the collection and dissemination of information regarding the role of cluster organisations as well as their activities and achievements. An ambivalent picture emerges regarding the longer-term effects of the EU cluster initiatives. It is difficult to measure the achievement of the objectives of the respective initiatives and the impact on SMEs, as these are only addressed indirectly. Cluster organisations particularly rate the transnational and cross-sectoral components of the initiatives as positive, which have helped them to expand their network and build capacity. Regarding the coherence of the initiatives, there is room for improvement with regard to a better integration and use of synergies of the EU cluster initiatives with other country and EU programmes. "In addition to the proposals specific to the respective EU cluster initiatives, we recommend strengthening industrial ecosystems in the EU," says Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer, project manager of the study. This can be achieved by supporting cluster organisations on their way to glocalisation, promoting partnership projects by linking digital adaptation and sustainable value creation, and increasing investment in improving clusters' business models. To Study (website EU) Projektteam: Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer, Janis Neufeld, Marie-Kristin Komendzinski, Lennart Galdiga, Aneta Sadlik, Moritz Glettenberg, Vera Fuhs (all Prognos); Jan Smit, Mike Coyne, Ivan Bosch (all CSES); Dr Els Van de Velde, Dr Daniela Kretz (Idea Consult) 27.01.2022 | TCI Global Webinar: A look into European Cluster Policy On 27 January, Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer was a guest at the "TCI Global Webinar: A look into European Cluster Policy" and presented the evaluation. To the video (vimeo.com) To the presentation (PDF, media.timtul.com) Do you have questions? Your contact at Prognos Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer Vice Director, Head of EU Services View profile Our work on this topic Take a look at our latest projects and activities. ERDF and Cohesion Fund monitoring data merged at EU level 2022 | Project The monitoring systems of the EU Member States provide reliable data. A database on all funded projects now enables an analysis at EU level. Read more A sustainable approach to raw materials in Eastern and Northern Finland 2023 | Project The services sector in this region is growing and is considered exceptionally innovative within the EU. Our input paper for a “Clusters meet Regions” event. Read more Evaluation of Eurostars-2, the European SME support programme 2023 | Project On behalf of the EU Commission, Prognos and its partners examined the Eurostars-2 SME fund-ing programme as part of the evaluation study of the European Framework Programmes Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. Read more Just Transition Platform Conference: Carbon-Intensive Regions 2023-04-27 | Event Stakeholders of the European chemical industry exchange on their activities for a just transition towards climate neutrality. Read more Cluster collaboration between the EU and Africa 2023 | Project Cooperation between the EU and Africa, which has intensified since 2000, warrants increased momentum. Prognos examined trade flows between the EU and South Africa, Senegal, and Kenya as well as the potential for further cooperation through cluster organisations. Read more Strengthening trade relations with Ukraine 2023 | Project “Clusters meet Regions” – Prognos examined trade relations between EU member states and Ukraine as well as potential for further cooperation. Read more Conference: Clusters meet Regions in Košice 2023-03-29 | Event Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer presents an input paper at an EU Clusters meet Regions conference in Košice on March 29. Read more Cluster Collaboration Lab Lund 2023 | Project Innovative business models for the future – this was the focus of the second edition of the Cluster Collaboration Lab in Lund, Sweden. Prognos provided the input paper for this interactive workshop. Read more Workshop: Measuring territorial innovation potential 2023-02-21 | Event Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer presents in Seville on the European Commission’s smart specialization framework. Read more DG REGIO – Evaluation of the European Green Deal ongoing | Project How effective has the EU cohesion policy been in driving green change in Europe? This and other questions are being investigated jointly with COWI, Milieu, and CSIL, on behalf of the European Commission (DG REGIO). Read more Webinar: Monitoring the Transition to Circular Economy 2023-02-07 | Event Jannis Lambert and Tim Bichlmeier talk about monitoring concepts for the Circular Economy and present a self-assessment tool. Read more Follow-up study on smart specialisation strategies in the EU 2023 | Project We evaluated the 185 smart specialisation strategies of the EU regions together with CSIL: A quantitative study for the EU Commission. Read more Evaluation of EU funding programme for the development of digital solutions for older people 2022 | Project Digital solutions can make life easier for older people. The EU's Active and Assisted Living Programme (AAL2) has actively contributed to the development of novel solutions. Read more Clusters meet regions workshop in Barcelona 2022-12-16 | Event The fifth Clusters meet Regions workshop will focus on sustainable competitiveness and the role of clusters in this. Read more Resilient supply chains in the EU 2022 | Project What are possible solutions when supply chains are disrupted due to external shocks? A survey conducted for the European Commission as part of the European Cluster Collaboration Platform provides answers. Read more Cluster meets Regions-Workshop in Croatia 2022-11-29 | Event The "Cluster meets Regions" workshop discusses digital transformation and interregional cooperation in Croatia. Read more Clusters as drivers of regional development – Silesia 2022 | Project The third “Clusters meet Regions” event was dedicated to the Polish region of Silesia. An input paper for the European Cluster Collaboration Platform. Read more Just Transition Platform: Meeting of the Working Group on Chemicals 2022-10-26 | Event At the meeting of the JTP Working Group on Chemicals, proposals will be discussed to help EU regions with a strong chemical industry make a just transition to climate neutrality. Read more International Conference: Smart Specialisation 2022-10-19 | Event Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer takes part in a panel discussion on Intelligent Specialisation Strategies. Read more European Cluster Conference 2022 2022-09-27 | Event Dr Jan-Philipp Kramer and Lennart Galdiga inform in Prague about the competence centre "NRW.innovativ" and represent the European Cluster Collaboration Platform. Read more Adobe Stock - CleverStock About us Prognos – Providing Orientation. Prognos is one of the oldest economic research centres in Europe. Founded at the University of Basel, Prognos experts have been conducting research for a wide range of clients from the public and private sectors since 1959 – politically independent, scientifically sound. Learn more