30 October 2006

European cluster development programme launches in the Northwest

A new initiative that will place the Northwest at the centre of cluster development programmes throughout Europe has been launched in the region.

Led by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the CLUNET project has been developed in response to an EU call for regional development agencies across Europe to develop and share policies and networks to develop cluster activity.  

It aims to bring together 16 partners from cluster organisations throughout Europe and Canada, including exemplar regions in this area such as Germany, Spain, Italy and France, to compare and contrast cluster policy with each other, learn from best practice and develop new networks. 

The Northwest Regional Economic Strategy identifies the need to undertake cluster programmes in priority sectors which have international growth potential, including biomedical, energy and environmental technologies, advanced engineering and materials, food and drink, digital and creative industries and business and professional services.

This project will improve technology exchange between partners in these sectors, create new opportunities for growth and generate new inward investment opportunities, as well as position the Northwest in a strong position for further funds in EU's Competitiveness and Innovation Programme.  CLUNET will start with a series of cooperation, learning and networking activities and will focus on the identification of policies that support fast growing clusters through themes such as the internationalisation of SMEs and incubation.

Mark Hughes, NWDA Executive Director for Enterprise, Innovation and Skills, said:

"This project will enable the Northwest to share its expertise in cluster development with our European counterparts and learn from the experiences of other countries.  Through sharing knowledge and resources and building strong and effective trans-European networks, CLUNET will help us to develop new opportunities in our priority sectors, as well as putting the Northwest in a strong position to influence future EU cluster policies.  This is a key opportunity to place the Northwest at the forefront of cluster development in Europe and facilitate further growth in the region's internationally competitive sectors."

Ends

For further information please contact Sarah Moston, Press Officer on 01925 400552 or 07810 528 471 or Sarah.Moston@nwda.co.uk 

For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk  

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England"s Northwest and is responsible for:

• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region's outstanding quality of life