Motivation
European Aerospace Cluster Partnership
In order to successfully compete on a global level, it has become crucial for Europe to actively further its innovative potential and to collaborate among regions and industry clusters. The European Aerospace Cluster Partnership (EACP) provides a permanent platform for mutual exchange, policy learning, and cooperation to achieve high-level performance among European aerospace clusters. It focuses on the exchange of experiences concerning both cluster policy and the implementation of effective solutions needed to address challenges faced by the partners. After 15 years of existence, EACP currently constitutes a network of 45 aerospace clusters from 18 european countries, thus largely covering the entire aerospace value chain in Europe.
The Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry is currently experiencing profound changes. With new players and new technologies entering into the market, global competition is steadily on the rise. Whilst long-term growth predictions are generally positive, continued success can only be achieved by those who excel at developing and implementing innovative products and services, particularly with regard to environmental and ecological sustainability. In order to serve the global market and sell highly specialised products, cooperation between companies as well as entire regions is essential. It is only in a cooperative environment in which partners interact and give and take on an equal basis that a win-win situation can be achieved.
With a strong foundation based on experience and trust, cooperation within EACP is taken to a higher level. This includes the establishment of a common place for work, qualification, and scientific research for all players within the European aerospace industry.
European Cluster Policy
EACP was established in 2009 within the framework of CLUNET, a PRO INNO EUROPE project that not only encouraged the exchange of experiences, but also supported the implementation of concrete pilot projects regarding cluster innovation and development policies. Within five years, EACP has developed into a permanent partnership between collaborating European aerospace clusters. Although limited to the aerospace industry, the partnership also serves as a benchmark project for other industry sectors.
In 2013, EACP was recognised by the European Commission as one of 13 „European Strategic Cluster Partnerships“ (ESCP). With this award, the Commission acknowledges EACP’s eff orts to improve global competitiveness by supporting pan-european collaboration and implementing joint strategies needed to enter new markets outside of Europe.
The Common Goal
By establishing closer inter-cluster relations to provide added value to the overall market, EACP shapes the relationship between clusters, industry stakeholders and policy makers. Furthermore, EACP stimulates the creation of innovation, thus aiming to strengthen the EU’s overall position within the global aerospace market.
Stakeholders Represented within EACP
EACP membership is open to aerospace clusters in Member States of the European Union and Neighbouring Countries. In order to be admitted to the network, a member must represent all segments of the regional aerospace sector, including industry, R&D and administrative bodies. The main focus should be in civil aviation, with a minimum of 60% of the represented stakeholders.
