European clusters play a key role in implementing industrial policy on the ground. They connect companies, SMEs, researchers and other actors along value chains, helping to bring innovation to market and supporting EU competitiveness and the clean transition. This role has also been highlighted in recent strategic reflections on Europe’s industrial future.
The new Expert Group will operate until December 2027, with the possibility of a two-year extension.
Why join
By joining the Expert Group on Cluster Policy, you can
- Help shape EU cluster policy and its contribution to key industrial priorities
- Bring the perspective of regions, clusters, SMEs and innovation ecosystems directly into EU policy discussions
- Contribute to recommendations on innovation, value chains, investment and the Clean Industrial Deal
- Exchange with peers from across Europe and beyond, including Member States, cluster organisations, practitioners, and academia
How to apply
The call is open to
- Stakeholder organisations experienced in implementing cluster policy at regional and national levels (Type C members)
- Experienced practitioners in business development and interregional investment projects representing a common interest (Type B or C, depending on the case)
- Renowned researchers in the field of clusters, competitiveness and innovation, appointed in their personal capacity (Type A members)
Application package
Each application must include
- Cover letter explaining the motivation and outlining the applicant’s contribution to the group
- Annex I – Classification form, indicating the member category (Type A/B/C) and, for organisations, the type of organisation and interest represented
- Annex II – Selection criteria form, demonstrating how the applicant fulfils the selection criteria
- Curriculum vitae (CV) (for individuals / nominated representatives), preferably up to three pages, in Europass format
- For individuals applying in a personal capacity (Type A): a Declaration of Interests (Annex III)
Applications may be submitted in any official EU language. Applications in English are encouraged; if another language is used, a short summary in English is helpful.
Where and when to apply
This is a continuously open call for applications. Applications can be submitted at any time.
For the first selection round, duly signed applications must be sent by: 31 December 2025, 12:00 (CEST)
Send your application to: GROW-CLUSTER-EXPERT-GROUP
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (GROW-CLUSTER-EXPERT-GROUP[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
Selection criteria
Applications will be assessed by DG GROW based on the following criteria:
- Proven and relevant competence and experience, including at European and/or international level, in areas relevant to cluster policy (all applicants);
- Absence of circumstances that could give rise to a conflict of interest (for individuals applying in a personal capacity);
- Proven capacity to represent effectively a common interest shared by stakeholders in areas relevant to cluster policy (for individuals representing a common interest);
- Competence, experience and hierarchical level of the proposed representatives (for organisations);
- Good knowledge of English, allowing active participation in discussions (individuals and organisations’ representatives).
In composing the group, DG GROW will seek a high level of expertise and a balanced representation of industrial ecosystems, areas of interest, gender and geographical origin