The EUCLES board is proud to announce they have approved 22 newly labellised clusters in November and December 2024, recognising their management excellence!
1. The GOLD Label
The GOLD Label is awarded to cluster management organisations that demonstrate a high level of professionalism and sophisticated cluster management, including expertise in strategic management, internationalisation, financing, sector strategy, networking, and communication. 4 clusters have been awarded the Gold label in November and December 2024:
bioRN is the science and industry innovation cluster in the Rhine-Neckar region around Heidelberg, one of Germany’s strongest biotech and life science hubs. BioRN combines all relevant innovation stakeholders in life sciences based on the constant interaction between academia, industry and public for the production, transfer and application of knowledge.
CIAC – Cluster de la Indústria de l’Automoció de Catalunya 🇪🇸
CIAC is a non-profit association, open to companies linked to the sector of automotive based in Catalonia and having R+D+I activity. More than 190 companies linked to the sector have joined the cluster. This group of companies has a turnover of more than 20,000 million euros and employs more than 40,000 people.
WeMind Cluster is a national and international reference in the development of collaborative initiatives to work on autonomy in the field of mental health, neurosciences and theaging. Its mission is to improve competitiveness; innovation; the transfer of knowledge and collaboration between the different agents, to provide comprehensive bio-psycho-social support to people.
Energy Valley is a world-leading competence and technology cluster that exists to make new opportunities for the Norwegian energy industry. The cluster serve members within renewables, digital solutions, and oil & gas in transition to net-zero. Its vision is to drive innovation and sustainable growth in the energy sector, and to develop Norway as a global center for energy technology.
2. The SILVER Label
The SILVER Label “Dedicated to Cluster Excellence” recognises the successful implementation of improvement processes that were initiated following a previous Bronze Label benchmarking exercise. 4 clusters have been recognised with the silver label:
Maritimes Cluster Norddeutschland 🇩🇪
The Maritime Cluster Northern Germany (MCN) promotes and develops cooperation in the Northern German maritime industry. MCN creates dialogue platforms for stakeholders, so they can interact with each other, and it promotes interfaces with other industries.
OptecBB 🇩🇪
Optec-Berlin-Brandenburg (OpTecBB) e.V. is the competence network for optical technologies and microsystems technology in the Berlin-Brandenburg region. OpTecBB e.V. is an initiative of companies and scientific institutions in Berlin-Brandenburg which aim to explore and use these technologies together.
Technology Enabled Construction (TEC) Cluster 🇷🇴
TEC’s mission focuses on increasing the competitiveness and market share of the Cluster’s members by enhancing the quality of their products, services, and technologies. This is achieved through strengthening cooperation among Cluster members, training staff, adopting innovative design and execution techniques, conducting research and development activities, and promoting their offerings jointly.
QOOT Lebanon Agri-Food Cluster 🇱🇧
QOOT is Lebanon’s leading agrifood cluster, catalyzing sustainable growth, enhancing capabilities and competitiveness, and opening world markets to Lebanese agrifood businesses. Its core objective is to bring Lebanese agrifood industries on part with the most innovative economies in the world, thus making Lebanon’s flag fly higher on the world food innovation and trade map.
3. The BRONZE Label
The BRONZE label recognises the intention of a cluster management organisation to strive for excellence by improving its management capabilities and performance levels. 14 clusters have received the Bronze Label:
Blue Economy Mikkeli brings together top experts in the water sector
Expertise, networks, and commercialisable innovations. EcoSairila is spearheaded by the Blue Economy Mikkeli centre of excellence, which focuses on the circular economy and digitalisation of the water supply. It provides companies with RDI and training services, as well as the opportunity to take advantage of a unique testing and piloting environment to develop their business activities.
Clúster de Seguretat Contra Incendis 🇪🇸
CLÚSIC is an integrating entity of companies representing the value chain of fire safety in Catalonia. It has a mission to improve business competitiveness, create a network for the exchange of experiences and knowledge, and provide support mechanisms and cooperative work.
Cluster Automotriz de Guanajuato A.C. 🇲🇽
The cluster is composed of automotive companies, academic institutions, and governmental agencies in Guanajuato, united with the purpose of increasing competitiveness in the sector. The interconnected companies work in the same industrial sector and collaborate strategically to achieve common benefits. CLAUGTO is an effort created by the synergy among the major automotive companies established in the state of Guanajuato to increase competitiveness and support businesses.
Automotive Cluster Bulgaria 🇧🇬
The Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (ACB), founded in July 2012, is a non-profit organization which represents the interests of automotive manufacturers, suppliers and organizations providing services for the automotive industry. It fosters synergies between the cluster members and supports their business growth and competitiveness through participation in international joint projects, case studies and professional automotive qualification programs.
Nextistence 🇸🇮
the Nextistence network bring together partners to solve complex problems of the present with innovative solutions of the future. The cluster focus its operations on an international, entrepreneurial, innovative, applicative, and above all market and technologically oriented tomorrow.
WASTen 🇨🇿
The WASTen Cluster was founded on 23 December 2015 as a registered association. The members of the association are innovative Czech companies, suppliers of the top technologies for the processing of municipal and industrial waste, and leading scientific research institutes.
The South Savo Food Cluster envisions becoming a nationally and internationally recognized network for the sustainable food sector by 2027. Dedicated to fostering development, building connections, and advocating for a responsible food industry in the region, the cluster aims to create a vibrant, forward-thinking, and innovative food sector. With a focus on cultivating a positive atmosphere, encouraging bold experimentation, and promoting a strong culture of collaboration, the South Savo food sector embraces opportunities for growth and benefits from international engagement.
The Life Sciences Cluster in Latvia is a collaborative hub that brings together companies, research institutions, and academic organizations to advance innovation and development in the life sciences sector. Focusing on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology, the cluster aims to foster partnerships, drive cutting-edge research, and support the commercialization of scientific breakthroughs.
TurisTEC 🇪🇸
Turistec is a leading technology cluster dedicated to the tourism industry, fostering innovation and digital transformation to enhance the competitiveness of its members. By bringing together companies, institutions, and experts, Turistec aims to drive sustainable growth, promote technological excellence, and support the adoption of cutting-edge solutions in the travel and hospitality sectors.
Bioib 🇪🇸
Since its creation in 2010, BIOIB has established itself as the biotechnology and biomedical cluster of reference in the Balearic Islands. Combining the talent and resources of companies, institutions and research centers, BIOIB works to promote collaboration in the field of R+D+i. The mission is to lead the economic transformation of the region, enhancing the bioeconomy and generating a positive impact on society and the environment.
Caneparo 🇷🇴
Canepro aims to reintegrate industrial hemp into Romania’s national economy while positioning the country as a global hub for innovation in the sector. The cluster focuses on fostering and encouraging collaborations between private entities, academic institutions, and public organizations to drive initiatives and enhance competitiveness within the industrial hemp industry. Additionally, Canepro serves as a representative voice for the industrial hemp sector, advocating for its growth and development.
Actinn 🇦🇩
ACTINN is Andorra’s innovation and new technologies cluster. As a non-profit association, its primary mission is to boost the competitiveness of businesses and professionals in Andorra by promoting access to advanced technologies and fostering multi-sector innovation.
Zaict 🇸🇰
The Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency manages the ZA IT Cluster, a collaborative initiative focused on fostering innovation, digital transformation, and technological advancement in the Žilina region. By bringing together businesses, academic institutions, and public organizations, the cluster supports the development of IT solutions, promotes knowledge sharing, and enhances the competitiveness of its members.
SBaA 🇸🇰
Slovak Battery Alliance (SBaA) is an independent advocacy group composed of legal entities and operating as an industry cluster. It is an executive platform for the cooperation among the public and private sectors, innovators, the academic community and financial institutions. Its aim is to participate in the battery value chain in Europe.
