Petra Falchetto, Managing Director, inno GmbH Vienna, Austria

Introduction:

Documentation:

Martin Svensson-Henning, Lund University

Abstract/Key issues: Many European regions use a cluster-oriented policy approach in order to strengthen the innovative capacity and competiveness of the local economy. Since 1998, Upper Austria has set up eight cluster-initiatives with 1400 participating companies in the fields of automotive industry, drive technology, plastics, wood & furniture, eco-energy, food, health technology and mechatronics. As the local companies pursue their activities in a more and more European or global context, the future success of cluster-initiatives will depend highly on their capability to connect themselves with other European clusters and networks. The participation in qualification and research programs of the European Union or activities, to address global markets with common efforts could be possible co-operation projects. In this miniforum we will discuss the idea of a European Cluster Network as a platform for innovation and co-operation. Further we will identify potential issues for co-operation projects among European cluster initiatives. The results will be presented to the European Commission.