The event's goal is clear: leveraging the power of locally-based cooperation, bold policy experimentation, and reliable regional ecosystems to accelerate the clean industrial transition. Clusters Meet Regions isn't just about theoretical strategies but about how to translate them into practice so that the European economy is simultaneously competitive, sustainable, and inclusive. Through Ágnes Gonda's participation, the cluster not only executed knowledge transfer but also actively positioned Hungarian clusters on the international innovation map.
Regional Resilience and Global Impact: Key Messages from the Vaasa Meeting
The event in Finland was essentially a workshop of collective intelligence, where participants confirmed that the future economy is based on renewal and resilience.
Engines of the Green Transition
The meeting highlighted that clusters are the engines of regional innovation. They act as bridges between academia, industry, government, and civil society, realizing the so-called Quadruple Helix cooperation. This systematic partnership allows ideas to become marketable solutions and not be lost in the "valley of death" of development. Especially in Vaasa, within the EnergyVaasa ecosystem, it was evident that the focus on clean energy sources and decarbonization is not merely a regional success but a strategic national one.
Competitiveness and Investment
During the panels, it became clear that Europe's long-term goal is to maintain competitiveness. This requires strategic investments: not only financial but also recognizing and connecting the untapped knowledge within local clusters. Representatives from Danfoss Drives and Wärtsilä emphasized that trust, transparency, and predictability are just as important for attracting investors as financial incentives. Therefore, clusters are crucial in bridging the administrative gap.
Education and Social Dimension
The University of Vaasa demonstrated that resilience also means developing future skills. Clusters function as "living laboratories" where students encounter real industrial challenges. Furthermore, policymakers stressed the social dimension of innovation: when people see that change creates quality jobs and better services, they themselves become supporters of renewal.
The Clusters Meet Regions event confirmed that regional development must step out of the shadow of "major urban centers." The Ostrobothnia region, infused with the Finnish spirit of Sisu (perseverance, determination), proved that smaller regions can also be strong innovation hubs if they receive adequate visibility, networks, and capital.
Interview with Ágnes Gonda: The Green Transition from a Hungarian Perspective
— How did you view the general atmosphere and focus of the event?
— The atmosphere of the event was both professional and extremely friendly. The thesis was confirmed that everyone came with a genuine intention to cooperate, not just to present, but to listen, learn, and be inspired. I found it particularly valuable that the program was built on dialogue between regions and clusters, so it wasn't only about the EU-level why, but also the local-level how. In Vaasa, the coastal city, it was palpable that the energy transition is not just theory but daily practice—here, industry, universities, and the municipality are truly working together to implement the green shift.
— Which were the most inspiring professional moments for the ArchEnerg Cluster?
— The visit to the Wärtsilä Sustainable Technology Hub was outstanding. We saw up close what developments are taking place at the forefront of the maritime sector's decarbonization. It was very inspiring to see how research, industry, and education collaborate—it's a true model of the Finnish innovation system! In addition, the plenary panel discussion on resilience, where EU representatives and industry experts shared their thoughts, also provided an exceptional professional experience.
— What partnership connections do you see a future in for the cluster?
— The greatest value lay in the personal meetings. I met with Ilkka Aaltio, CEO of Green Net Finland, whom we had previously met during joint proposal preparation. Now we had the opportunity to launch deeper cooperation in the field of the circular economy and green innovation, for example, concerning energy-efficient urban models. I also had a meaningful conversation with a senior expert from Merinova Ab about knowledge sharing between Scandinavian and Central European clusters. In the future, the ArchEnerg Cluster aims to establish even closer ties with the Nordic clusters, thereby strengthening the international integration and competitiveness of Hungarian clusters.
— Within the framework of the Pitch Session, you presented the ArchEnerg Cluster and the LIFE–RENOINVEST project. How was the reception?
— I proudly presented the Cluster and the LIFE–RENOINVEST project, which provides guidance for financing sustainable building renovations. The project aims to facilitate the spread of energy-efficient and environmentally conscious renovation models, and support decision-makers and financial actors in selecting appropriate solutions. Our key achievements so far include the Handbook of Good Practices for Sustainable Building Renovations and a Comparative Policy and Market Analysis for Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia, both available on the renoinvest website. During the presentation, I emphasized our cluster's openness to international cooperation, and I clearly felt that our developments in renewable energies, energy efficiency, and sustainable construction resonate with European priorities. Our goal is to launch more joint projects with Nordic partners based on the RENOINVEST results.
— How did you view the situation of geothermal energy in Finland, and what can Hungary learn from it?
— Although it wasn't a central topic, geothermal energy emerged in Finland as a promising developing area of the energy transition. I feel we can learn a lot from the Finnish approach—especially in terms of long-term strategic thinking, research, and a stable regulatory background. Hungary's geothermal sector has enormous potential, for which stable financing structures and the development of permitting processes are essential. The opportunities are there for geothermal energy to become a defining pillar of the Hungarian energy system in the coming years.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Economic Development for the support and the opportunity to participate in this event. The travel was realized within the framework of the NOTRE project, which allowed the ArchEnerg Cluster, through its representation, to actively join the European innovation dialogue and strengthen the international role of Hungarian clusters.
Creating a Shared Future
The Clusters Meet Regions event in Vaasa made it clear: Europe's future depends on co-creation. Resilience and renewal are realized when academic excellence, industrial innovation, political vision, and social trust move together. Clusters are at the heart of this transformation, bridging ideas and real impact. Through the active participation of Ágnes Gonda and the ArchEnerg Cluster, Hungarian innovation knowledge has joined this dialogue, ensuring that our region does not just adapt to change, but actively shapes it—for a stronger, greener, and more competitive Europe.