Strategic Focus on New Funding Sources
A central theme of the conference was the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the European Competitiveness Fund. For the Archenerg-Metal Cluster, the sessions addressing industrial transition and the strengthening of value chains were of paramount importance. The discussions highlighted that clusters will serve as the practical instruments channeling EU resources toward technological renewal and innovation.
Prior to the official opening, within the framework of the "Co-Creation Labs," Ágnes Gonda worked alongside European cluster leaders to tackle critical issues such as fostering SME collaboration and developing digital and green cluster services. For the Archenerg-Metal Cluster, these outcomes are directly applicable in supporting Hungarian metal industry and energy sector players in their international market expansion.
High-Level Dialogue and the Network of the Future
Representatives from the European Commission, including Marek Przeor (DG GROW), emphasized the importance of initiatives such as EU Clusters Talks and the Cluster Booster Academy.
A key outcome of the conference was the debate over the structure of the planned EU for Business Network. In alignment with European partners, the position of IKOSZ and the Archenerg-Metal Cluster is that clusters must play a central, coordinating role in this new network, complementing the work of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).
Breakthrough Points: STEP and Industrial Transition
The STEP (Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform), presented on the second day, opens new horizons for funding critical technologies. This represents a direct opportunity for the innovative developments within the Archenerg-Metal Cluster.
The presence of the Archenerg-Metal Cluster in Madrid proved that Hungarian clusters are ready for deeper integration into the European industrial ecosystem. The knowledge and professional network gained at the conference will directly enhance the competitiveness of our member companies throughout 2026 and beyond.