European Cluster Conference 2012 in Vienna distinguishes successful clusters

The clusters role in access of SME´s to innovation and research, as well as to the development of common international markets were some of the main topics discussed at the European Cluster conference 2012, in Vienna.  “In the future it will be an important tool in the allocation of structural funds and the definition of regional specialization strategies”, says Daniel Stürzebecher, MFG Head of International Cluster Programmes and member of the conference organisation committee.

Those and other ideas were debated by more than 400 cluster experts and policymakers from 41 countries in the ancient halls of Palais Niederösterreich, from 18 to 20 April in Vienna. At the three-day event, business networks, European Commission and national policy makers representatives debated the alignment of EU cluster and innovation policy post-2014, with a particularly focus on the results of recent European initiatives and projects, such as the European Excellence Cluster initiative.

Highlights of the conference were the awarding of the first three Cluster Management Excellence GOLD labels and the election of the European Cluster Manager of the Year 2012 – Micael Gustafsson, from Cluster55. Also during the conference, the Cluster Women European Network (ClusterWene) was set up by 30 women from 12 countries and the Cluster West from France won the design competition "Put your cluster on the map".

The event was organised by the Clusterland Upper Austria, the Lower Austrian Business Agency ecoplus, the Sophia Antipolis Foundation and the MFG - Innovation Agency for ICT and Media of the State of Baden-Württemberg.

More information on the conference, presentations and pictures available on: www.clusterconference2012.eu