European clusters meet in Copenhagen

Exploring green innovation pathways

Nearly 50 professionals from across Europe gathered in Copenhagen to delve into the role of industry clusters in driving the green transition. The workshop, titled “Unlock Green Innovation for Clusters,” was held at BLOXHUB – a renowned hub for sustainable urban solutions – and brought together cluster managers, sustainability specialists, SMEs, and regional innovation stakeholders for an intensive knowledge-sharing experience.

Organised under the EU-funded ENDURANCE project, the hybrid workshop featured key contributions from experts such as Dr. Erwan Mouazan (University of Vaasa), Raquel Ortega Martínez (AMUEBLA), Bailey Lähdesmäki (Savonia UAS), Tiina Haatainen (Kuopio Water Cluster), and Heikki Sirviö (North Savo Regional Council). Each shared practical insights into the opportunities and obstacles found within regional innovation ecosystems.

A practical toolkit for clusters in transition

A highlight of the day was the introduction of the ENDURANCE green acceleration methodology — a toolbox designed to support clusters in guiding SMEs toward greener, more circular business practices. The toolkit includes practical instruments like:

Ecosystem mapping – to understand and activate relevant regional actors

Value mapping – to align sustainability strategies with stakeholder value

The sustainable business model canvas – adapted to the context of clusters

These tools form part of a broader suite of resources, which also includes a detailed methodology guide, training materials, facilitation tools, an audiovisual kit, and a forthcoming policy paper aimed at shaping future EU frameworks for cluster-driven green innovation.

Find all the tools here

 

Interactive casework brings tools to life

Participants tested the methodology in action through a fictional case study called “FurniCraft” — a furniture company transitioning to a circular economy model. This hands-on exercise encouraged attendees to apply the tools in a realistic setting and sparked reflection on how they could be used locally.

The morning session was streamed online, allowing remote participants to follow the workshop’s introductory presentations and learn about ENDURANCE’s goals and acceleration strategies.

Clusters as catalysts for Europe’s green future

Throughout the event, a common theme emerged: clusters have the potential to connect research, policy, and business in ways that enable systemic change. Presentations from Finland’s North Savo region illustrated how local strengths in water tech and bioeconomy are already delivering green innovation in practice.

As the EU works toward achieving its Green Deal ambitions, initiatives like ENDURANCE are helping clusters prepare for the journey ahead — equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and collaborative networks they need to lead the transition.