Multi-level governance is a key issue to implement modern industrial policy. That is why matching between RIS3 priorities at regional level (often mega-clusters and broad knowledge domains) and the cluster dynamics that are running at city/metropolitan level is an exercise that should be done sooner or later. How sectorial policies can be improved and better connected to Smart Specialization Strategies at city level? To answer this question a network called InFocus has been set up within URBACT initiative. Leaded by Bilbao city, the InFocus network counts with members from Porto (Portugal), Plasencia (Spain), Torino (Italy), Ostrava (Czech Republic), Bucharest (Romania), Bielsko-Biala (Poland), Frankfurt (Germany) and Bordeaux (France).
Infocus network organized a thematic workshop on “Cluster Policies” in Frankfurt on 23 - 25 November 2016. Grenoble and Porto hold a dialogue on the role of cities in today´s cluster policy. Bordeaux laser & photonics cluster presented how a key enabling technology is widespread throughout different sectors and value chains. And GAIA, the Basque Cluster for ICTs explained how to make the most of ICTs clusters to boost the digital transformation in the cities. There was a panel discussion on what do business clusters need from local/metropolitan governments?. Within this context, Juan Domingo OLABARRI from SPRI, was invited to present the Basque Country experience and the project CLUSTERS3 and took part in the discussions and exchanges that were hold. Infocus project can be followed on http://urbact.eu/In-Focus.
