Biocat represents BioRegion of Catalonia in new EU Expert Group on Cluster Policy
This new advisory body, with around 60 experts, was launched to strengthen the European Union’s industrial competitiveness through clusters, boosting innovation, advancing the green and digital transitions, and reducing strategic vulnerabilities.
Biocat is strengthening its role in the European innovation and competitiveness agenda, with Strategic Foresight and International Relations Director Montserrat Daban taking part in the European Commission’s new Expert Group on Cluster Policy.
At the group’s launch meeting on March 17, the European Commission highlighted the value of clusters as instruments for rolling out industrial policy on the ground. Mariella Masselink, head of DG GROW Unit B4 and chair of the meeting, stated, “Clusters are essential instruments for translating European industrial policy into tangible actions on the ground.” Additionally, Anna Athanasopoulou, director for Simplification and Networks, noted in the opening session, “Industrial Europe needs a new governance model based on collaboration, regulatory coherence and implementation capacity.”
The session addressed key areas like innovation, decarbonization, economic security and strategic dependencies, regulatory simplification, the single market and investment. Following this meeting, three thematic working groups will be launched to develop specific recommendations through 2027, within a framework of regular plenary and technical meetings.
With Montserrat Daban participating in this group, Biocat is part of a key space for reflecting on and contributing proposals for the future of European industrial policy. According to Daban, “The EU is defining a new phase of industrial policy, and clusters and ecosystem driving organizations like Biocat are essential tools for turning this strategy into tangible results on the ground.” In this regard, she highlighted, “This initiative aims to propose instruments for the next period, with a view to closing the innovation gap and accelerating the transition from research to market. Clusters are the natural bridge between talent, science, industry, policy and investment, and that is exactly what we do at Biocat.”
Daban’s participation will allow her to contribute the BioRegion of Catalonia’s experience in connecting research, innovation, business and investment, and help shape recommendations that will guide European action through 2027.
