Euroclusters for Europe's recovery
The Euroclusters for Europe's recovery program aims to bolster EU industrial ecosystems by fostering resilience, accelerating green and digital transitions, and enhancing SMEs' access to global markets. This initiative provides grants primarily through cascade funding, enabling cluster organizations to support a wide range of SMEs across Europe. It seeks to develop world-class clusters and encourage cross-sectoral collaboration to drive innovation and address critical value chain disruptions.
Who is Funded
The Euroclusters funding program targets organizations and entities capable of fostering resilient, green, and digital industrial ecosystems across Europe. Eligible applicants include cluster organizations and networks, as well as other entities actively supporting the twin transition and EU resilience. The program's reach extends across all EU Member States and several associated or negotiating third countries, with a strategic focus on less developed regions. The core objective is to enhance EU industrial competitiveness and support SMEs in adapting to future challenges.
What is Funded
This section outlines the types of projects and activities supported by the Euroclusters program, emphasizing its focus on industrial ecosystems and the twin green and digital transition. It details eligible and excluded costs, particularly concerning financial support to third parties (SMEs), and specifies the developmental stages of projects that align with the program's objectives, which primarily involve implementation and market-oriented activities.
Type and Scope of Funding
The funding is provided through grants, with a significant portion allocated as cascade funding to support SMEs directly. The overall program budget is substantial, and a clear co-funding structure is in place. Projects typically span 36 months, with structured reporting periods to monitor progress and financial execution.
Conditions and Requirements
Applicants and beneficiaries of the Euroclusters program must adhere to specific conditions regarding application submission, consortium composition, and financial management. Strict rules apply to avoid double funding and ensure transparency in all processes, particularly in how support is channelled to SMEs. The program also outlines requirements for reporting and for engaging with external entities.
Application Procedure
The application process for Euroclusters involves a single-stage submission with specific documentation requirements. Applications are evaluated based on predefined criteria, and successful consortia are notified with a clear timeline for grant agreement signature. Support is available for applicants throughout the process.
Legal Basis
The Euroclusters program is firmly rooted in a comprehensive legal framework established by EU regulations and official documents. These foundational texts ensure the program's legitimacy and provide a clear operational structure for its implementation and financial management.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Closed
Maximum Amount:
Maximum financial support to each third party (SME): 60,000 €
Allocated Budget:
Total program budget: 42,000,000 € (2021-2024)
Open Until:
31.12.2027
Award Channel:
Competitive Tender
Region:
EU Member States and third countries associated to the SME Pillar of the Single Market Programme (SMP) or those in ongoing negotiations for an SMP Association Agreement. This includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Proposals must include at least one partner established in a less advanced region of an EU Member State.
Sectors:
Other
Beneficiaries:
Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Application Type:
Consortium Required
Funding Stages:
Product Development, Process Optimization, Market Introduction, Scaling, Commercialization, Implementation, Service Delivery, Capacity Building, Awareness Campaigns
Funding Provider
Program Level:
European Union
Funding Body:
European Commission
Managed By:
European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA)
Website: