The ECA Cluster Conference 2025 is not merely a professional event, but the most important annual meeting place for the European cluster community. This year, the conference’s goal is particularly significant: aligning cluster services and policies with Europe's new priorities. High-level decision-makers from the European Commission and the European Parliament, along with the continent's most innovative industrial players, will collectively outline the future direction at the event.
Why is Participation a Strategic Interest for Us?
Our presence is crucial for the future success of our cluster members. The conference focuses on topics that directly affect the funding opportunities available to Hungarian businesses:
- Direct Information on New Funding:A prominent theme of the program is the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the newly launching Competitiveness Fund. Thanks to our participation, we will be among the first to learn what kind of grant schemes we can anticipate in the future.
- A Voice in Decision-Making:In the conference’s "Co-Creation Labs" sections, we can actively shape financing, skills, and internationalisation strategies. We will not only be listeners but also shapers of European industrial policy.
- Networking:The Madrid event provides an excellent platform for building project consortia and finding new technological partners.
Strong Domestic Representation
Ágnes Gonda, Project Manager, will represent our organisation at the conference. Her participation carries double significance: in addition to asserting the interests of the Archenerg-Metál Cluster, she will also represent IKOSZ (National Association of Innovative Clusters of Hungary) on behalf of our country.
This mandate ensures that the voice of Hungarian clusters and the SMEs behind them is prominently featured in the European dialogue, and that domestic experiences are integrated into EU decision-making.
Over the two-day event, we will examine how clusters can strengthen Europe's industrial ecosystems, with a special focus on digitalisation and sustainability. The professional program will be complemented by side visits to innovation hubs across Madrid, from which we will return with practical experiences and operational "best practice" solutions.
We Will Report Back Soon!
Following the conference, we will prepare a detailed report for our members on the latest Brussels guidelines and expected opportunities.