On 30 June 2020, the European Clusters Alliances, an international association of cluster networks, had a virtual meeting with European Commission Thierry Breton to talk about the role of clusters in the economic recovery of Europe from the COVID-19 crisis. Members of the European Clusters Alliance and cluster representatives talked about their activities during the crisis and showcased cascade funding projects as an example of how companies can be supported to find innovative solutions for the digital and green transition.

MINE.THE.GAP as best practice

Kristiina Jokelainen, Founder of SmartNorth and member of International Advisory Board of ICAMCyL, presented the project MINE.THE.GAP to the Commissioner. She pointed out that the Green Deal and the Industrial Strategy implementation depended on the availability of raw materials, and that we needed to secure a sustainable supply chain in Europe. She added that mining regions and regional operators needed support to develop a sustainable and resource efficient sector. This is why MINE.THE.GAP can make a difference and help SMEs in upgrading their competitiveness, innovating, and finding new green and digital solutions to the challenges of the mining and raw material sector.

Watch the video: Clusters for Next Generation EU