Navarra hosted the European forum Clusters Meet Regions, organised by the Government of Navarra, Sodena and the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), bringing together around one hundred representatives from clusters, companies and public administrations across Europe. The event focused on reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy through interregional cooperation, the green and digital transition and innovation.
During the opening session, the Regional Minister for Industry and Ecological and Digital Business Transition, Mikel Irujo, underlined the key role of clusters within Navarra’s Smart Specialisation Strategy (S4) and highlighted the region’s commitment to both traditional sectors and emerging fields such as aerospace, electronics, synthetic biology and industrialised construction.
Experts stressed that Europe’s industrial recovery must be built from its regions, with local talent and enhanced cooperation. Speakers also noted the importance of clusters as drivers of investment attraction, innovation and resilient value chains.
Navarra’s innovative ecosystem—supported by nine active clusters and a strong industrial base representing 32% of regional added value—was presented as a model of regional industrial autonomy. Initiatives in clean energy, electric mobility, digitalisation and the circular economy reinforce its role as a benchmark in southern Europe.
The forum gathered delegations from various European regions and facilitated bilateral meetings, project presentations and visits to leading technology centres such as CENER, Acciona, Polo Iris and NAITEC. The event consolidated Navarra as a strategic meeting point capable of connecting regions, fostering innovation and contributing to a competitive, green and autonomous European industry.
