In Athens, the Euromed Clusters Forward Cluster Executive Academy strengthens Mediterranean cooperation

Published on 01 June 2026

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From April 22 to 24, 2026, Athens became, for three days, a true hub for innovation and Euro-Mediterranean cooperation during the Cluster Executive Academy organized within the framework of the Euromed Clusters Forward (ECF) programme, funded by the European Union.

Bringing together cluster leaders, international experts, and regional economic development stakeholders, the event aimed to strengthen ties between innovation ecosystems across the Mediterranean basin and lay the foundations for a sustainable network of cooperation among clusters.

Organized in partnership with Berytech, ANIMA Investment Network, and Enterprise Greece, the Academy gathered 21 participants representing 16 clusters from several countries across the region, including Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Greece.

A diverse representation of clusters

The participating clusters reflected the diversity of the Mediterranean’s strategic sectors: technological innovation, healthcare, industry, textiles, mechatronics, agrifood, energy efficiency, and digital technologies.

Among the participating organizations were:

Several Greek clusters also joined the discussions, including Corallia Cluster, isZEB Cluster, i4bydesign, and Cluster e-CODOMH.

Participants mainly held leadership positions such as CEOs, executive directors, cluster managers, and board members. This diversity of profiles enabled the exchange of experiences drawn from very different economic and institutional ecosystems.

Three days of reflection on the future of these Mediterranean clusters

The first day of the Academy focused on the fundamentals of inter-cluster cooperation. Through interactive workshops led by international experts Clodagh Barry and Madeleine Smith, participants exchanged views on cluster development strategies, collaborative leadership, and value creation mechanisms within regional ecosystems. Discussions notably addressed the common challenges faced by Mediterranean clusters: financing, attractiveness, member engagement, integration of new technologies, and adaptation to global economic transformations. Collaborative workshops encouraged experience-sharing among participants. Several clusters presented their governance models, SME support initiatives, and sectoral development strategies. The day concluded with a cultural visit to the Acropolis Museum in Athens, offering participants a more informal setting for networking and dialogue.

Rethinking the Mediterranean of tomorrow

The second day took place within the framework of the symposium “Mediterranean 2036: Future Proofing Economic Prosperity,” organized during the 20th anniversary of ANIMA Investment Network.

This day broadened discussions around the major economic and geopolitical transformations currently affecting the Mediterranean region. Several key themes structured the exchanges:

  • regional value chains;
  • climate change challenges;
  • employability and talent mobility;
  • digital sovereignty and digital trust;
  • regional economic cooperation.

In a regional context marked by economic, technological, and environmental transitions, clusters increasingly appear as key actors capable of structuring innovation, supporting SMEs, and fostering regional synergies.

From theory to practice

The third day focused on future perspectives and the concrete implementation of the lessons learned throughout the Academy. Participants worked on ways to integrate international best practices into their own structures and develop new strategies for regional cooperation.

In the afternoon, several field visits provided insight into Greek initiatives in innovation and territorial development. Participants notably visited the Ellinikon Experience Center, an emblematic sustainable urban redevelopment project, as well as the THEA Incubation Center, specialized in supporting startups and innovative SMEs.

A regional dynamic in the making

Beyond the technical content and workshops, the Cluster Executive Academy primarily succeeded in creating a genuine human dynamic among participants. Discussions highlighted several shared priorities for Mediterranean clusters: developing new market opportunities, strengthening the integration of digital tools and artificial intelligence, improving member engagement, and consolidating the financial sustainability of cluster structures.

Participants also emphasized the importance of experience-sharing and peer learning in strengthening regional ecosystems. Several of them expressed their intention to reuse the tools, methods, and approaches explored during the Academy in order to strengthen the capacities of both their teams and their members.

Through this initiative, Euromed Clusters Forward confirms its ambition to foster a genuine Mediterranean network of clusters capable of promoting innovation, economic development, and long-term regional cooperation.

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