Clusters Meet Regions: Strengthening innovation, the Brabant way
Eindhoven hosts Europe’s brightest clusters for innovation, sustainability, and growth
Published on March 19, 2025
Noordkade Veghel, on of the site visits during Clusters meet Regions © Meierijstad
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Next week, Eindhoven will be at the epicenter of European cluster-based innovation as it hosts the Clusters Meet Regions event at the High Tech Campus on March 26-27. Organized by Brainport Development, AgriFood Capital and the Province of Noord-Brabant, in close collaboration with the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) and the European Commission’s Directorate-General GROW, this event aims to bolster cross-border cluster collaboration and reinforce Europe's global competitiveness.
Themed ‘Collaboration for tomorrow—the Brabant way’, this edition of Clusters Meet Regions showcases Brabant’s ability to unite industry, academia, and government in fostering breakthrough innovations. Focusing on Robotics and AI, Circular Semiconductors, Plant-Based agri- and foodtech, and Safety and security, the event highlights the region’s strengths while also providing a platform for knowledge exchange with other European regions.
Why the event matters
Clusters are the engines of regional innovation ecosystems, acting as facilitators that connect businesses, research institutions, and policymakers to drive technological advancements and economic growth. As Paul van Nunen, Managing Director of Brainport Development, puts it: “We are bringing together Europe’s top clusters to share knowledge, drive collaboration, and explore how to strengthen our regions and industries collectively. Eindhoven is the perfect place to host this, as it represents one of Europe’s most successful innovation ecosystems.”
This event comes at a strategic moment in the EU’s industrial policy discussion. Brabant and its partners are using this platform to advocate for sustained European investments in cluster development, ensuring that Europe remains competitive on a global scale.
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European perspective, local strengths
The event will feature insights from EU policymakers, industry leaders, and academic experts, with discussions addressing key topics such as:
- The role of clusters in strengthening regional innovation ecosystems
- Strategies for funding and supporting clusters across Europe
- Best practices in cross-border collaborations
- How clusters can contribute to the EU Green Deal and sustainability goals
Martijn van Gruijthuijsen, Regional Minister for Economic Affairs, Talent Development, and Finance for the Province of Noord-Brabant, emphasizes the broader European context: “Brabant has always been a leader in innovation-driven economic growth, and we recognize the power of connecting with other like-minded European regions. This event is an opportunity to align our efforts and create stronger, more resilient European value chains.”
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A program packed with insights and connections
The two-day event includes keynotes, panel discussions, site visits, and matchmaking sessions, allowing participants to gain both theoretical and practical insights. Notable highlights include:
- Keynotes from top experts, including Koenraad Debackere (KU Leuven), on the role of clusters in regional innovation and Joost van Hees (ASML,) on the realities of operating in an advanced innovation ecosystem.
- Panel discussions featuring policymakers and industry leaders, including Pieter Liebregts (ERAC), about funding strategies for clusters.
- Site visits showcasing Brabant’s leadership in high-tech manufacturing, agrifood innovation, and security technology at locations such as Brainport Industries Campus, Noordkade Veghel, and Avular.
- Interactive workshops focusing on topics like interregional innovation corridors and strategic cluster funding.
According to Sander Groenen, Managing Director of AgriFood Capital, “Clusters play an essential role in accelerating innovation by connecting stakeholders and translating research into real-world applications. In agrifood, for example, we see that sustainable and plant-based food solutions are accelerated by collaboration between research institutions and companies.”
Why you should attend
The Clusters Meet Regions event in Brabant is relevant to policymakers, industry leaders, startups, and researchers looking to strengthen their networks, explore funding opportunities, and contribute to Europe’s innovation agenda. “We need to ensure that Europe’s clusters remain competitive, resilient, and well-funded,” says Pieter Liebregts (ERAC). “This event is an opportunity to discuss strategies that will shape future EU policies and funding frameworks.”
Brabant is known for turning ideas into action, and this event aims to demonstrate exactly that. Registration is still open.
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