26th March 2015 Connecting European Chambers : Drawing European strategic roadmaps for Clusters CESE, 26th March 2015

26th March 2015 Menu Why should clusters define a European roadmap ? What are the obstacles ? How can the EC stimulate those initiatives ? A breton case study A possible role for CCIs

26th March 2015 Why should clusters define a European road-map ? 4 main reasons : – Reinforce its market positioning – Facilitate market access – Access to know how and technologies – Benchmark and exchange information 4 Main barriers : – Lack of funding – Lack of time – Lack of trust between partners – Lack of language capabilities => 1/3 clusters declare having a strategy

26th March 2015 Advantages of defining a strategic European roadmap For the clusters : – Propose new added value services to their members – Helps members to overcome barriers to foreign market and technology access – Increase international visibility and recognition – Access to international networks For the members : – Access to new markets and technologies – Increase international visibility – Get additional funding for their projects

3 possible objectives Open innovation Market positionning Visibility and attractivity Take part to collaborative R&D projects Exchange good practices Raise technological obstacles Organise trade and fair missions Benefit from privileged relations through inter-clustering Join networks Take part to events (ex. Strasburg in March) Benchmark and spot opportunities

26th March 2015 European opportunities Main programmes 2 complementary approaches of support : – for the members : Enterprise Europe Network (COSME/H2020) – Commercial and technological partner search – Access to finance and Key Account Management – Innovation management SME Instrument – for the clusters : Cluster Go International (COSME call) European Cluster Excellence Initiative and ECCP EEN Matchmaking events

26th March 2015 A Breton Case study Agrofood Cluster (Pole de compétitivité) : – since 2006 – 3 regions : Bretagne, Pays de la Loire, Normandy – 270 members – 288 projects

26th March : definition of a European strategy targetting European R&D projects 4 pillars : – Visibility : creation of F2C (French Food Clusters) and WOOFIN (international network) – Establishment of scientific and technological collaborations – Market access through company missions with « Bretagne Commerce International » and EEN – Promote attractivity of the regions (welcome of foreign delegations) A Breton Case study

26th March 2015 Obstacles : – Pôles de compétitivité = public organisations vs private approach abroad – At regional level presence of other European Business support services – Poor image of European programmes in SMEs (time consuming, elite) – Cultural and language barriers What’s next ? – Improve SME access to EU funding – Promote networking between SMEs from different clusters – Encourage cluster decision makers to develop an internal competence in project management – Enhance interclustering A Breton Case study

26th March 2015 EEN and clusters “Working with cluster organisations can hold a number of advantages for Enterprise Europe Network partners. Strategies devised to exploit such a collaboration should aim to reach the following targets “: Internal : – A way to reach EEN targets – A way for EEN to get access to SMEs External : – Increase regional competitiveness – Foster internationalisation – Exchange of experience/knowledge – Links with other EU institutions/programmes – Create a cooperation Culture

26th March 2015 Conclusion - Role of CCIs To get access to the stakeholders and foster their involvement, the following unique selling points can structure the message :  There is no competition but co-operation (added value)  There is a benefit and win-win situation for all  Complementarity between CCI and clusters  Joint activities involving the Network and clusters are highly visible  The activities cover the main tasks of the CCI Network  Efficiency, synergies  Clusters can become an "ambassador" for CCI  Clusters can use CCI to improve their support to their members  Clusters can use CCI to improve their visibility

26th March 2015 Thank you for your attention Sources : – France Clusters – EEN – DG GROW Contact : –