Deep Dive: ENDURANCE Handbook

How can clusters drive systemic green transformation in SMEs across Europe?

The ENDURANCE Handbook offers a structured answer: four strategic acceleration scenarios, a green transition framework, and a hands-on competence model for cluster teams.

Grounded in research from Denmark, Finland, Spain and Bulgaria, the handbook provides both direction and tools for cluster organisations aiming to lead the green transition—locally, nationally and across borders.

Why clusters matter

Clusters are critical actors in delivering the European Green Deal. As facilitators of innovation, collaboration and skills development, they play a pivotal role in scaling sustainability in SMEs and startups.

ENDURANCE positions clusters as key levers for green transformation by equipping them to:

Promote sustainable entrepreneurship

Build capacity around ESG and green innovation

Facilitate cross-sector and cross-border collaboration

Apply digital tools to accelerate green transitions

Support systemic thinking and circular business models

 

Four scenarios for green acceleration

At the core of the handbook are four thematic scenarios, each addressing a distinct, practical angle of green transformation:

1. Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Sustainability

Focuses on embedding sustainability in business models and innovation processes. It supports cluster teams in guiding SMEs and startups to develop value-driven, ESG-aligned strategies.

Tools: Competence matrix, training modules, ESG guidelines

Challenges: Limited resources, low awareness, market fit

Opportunities: Market differentiation, investor appeal, future-proofing

 

2. Cross-Collaboration for Sustainability

Targets the need for broader collaboration across sectors, disciplines and regions. Clusters act as conveners of actors who can jointly address complex sustainability challenges.

Key methods: Ecosystem mapping, open innovation, co-creation

Obstacles: Decision-making silos, IP concerns, cultural gaps

Learning goals: Stakeholder engagement, collective impact, adaptive thinking

 

3. Digitalisation for the Green Transition

Demonstrates how digital technologies (e.g. AI, IoT, automation) can drive sustainability—if applied with purpose and ethics. This scenario supports twin transition thinking in SMEs.

Focus areas: Digital ethics, Industry 4.0/5.0, smart production

Barriers: Low digital maturity, funding gaps, lack of ready-made solutions

Skills developed: Data-driven sustainability, digital responsibility, tech deployment

 

4. Circular Systemic Solutions

Encourages a systems-thinking approach to innovation. This scenario helps SMEs and startups understand the complexity of sustainability and how to intervene effectively within systems.

Core concepts: Systems change, future literacy, circular design

Challenges: Linear business logic, fragmented knowledge, scaling limitations

Benefits: Long-term impact, cross-sector alignment, environmental regeneration

 

A competence framework for each scenario

Each scenario is supported by a detailed competence framework defining:

Essential knowledge

Applicable skills

Sustainability-oriented attitudes

This framework helps cluster managers and support organisations structure training, workshops and strategic capacity building. It is also a useful tool for designing internal staff development or assessing SME needs.

 

The strategic value of the handbook

The ENDURANCE Handbook is more than a guide. It is a strategy tool, a learning resource and a blueprint for action. It helps cluster teams to:

Design and implement green accelerator programmes

Facilitate systemic thinking and innovation

Align local initiatives with EU strategies

Provide value to members through meaningful green transformation

Build stronger, future-fit cluster ecosystems

ENDURANCE is not one-size-fits-all. The handbook is flexible and modular, enabling clusters to adapt its tools and approaches to their own industrial contexts and specific member needs.

 

Ready to dive in?

The handbook is free to access and designed for immediate use. Whether you’re launching a green accelerator programme or looking to integrate sustainability more deeply in your cluster strategy, ENDURANCE offers a practical, comprehensive starting point.

Download the handbook