EACP Objectives and activities at a glance
The EACP network operates in an informal, decentralized and flexible way that is based on an organizational set of continuous working groups, temporary project consortia and bi- or multilateral ad-hoc partnerships. The main objective resides in improving the global competitiveness in Europe through intense inter-cluster collaboration. This goal is pursued within three major field of action:
Knowledge exchange
- Cluster Excellence
- Funding Schemes
- Role of Clusters
Push Innovation
- Skill & qualification
- EU projects
- Connect member clusters
Strengthen EU-Position
- Internationalisation
- Supply chain infrastructure
- Global competitiveness
All EACP activities follow these guidelines to improve competitiveness in a European context.
Knowledge exchange
To enable inter-cluster knowledge exchange, presentations and discussion on best practice are conducted at regular EACP meetings. Participation in the European Strategic Cluster Partnership (ESCP) allows for the exchange of experience and knowledge regarding economic, political and social developments that affect aerospace and other industry sectors. Thus, the regional clusters are not only prepared for possible future developments, but also work to further cluster excellence. In order to optimize the member cluster’ use of funding schemes, regional, national and EU calls are constantly monitored and evaluated. In close connection to this, information regarding compulsory regional smart specialization strategies is refined and spread to the clusters.
Push Innovation
The second main objective is pursued by developing skills and qualification among the existing and future Aerospace workforce. Examples include the Skills Hub project as well as the establishment and support of other EU-projects which specifically target technological innovation, such as the METASTARS, CARE, BeAware or CANNAPE projects. These and other projects are supplemented by EACP match-making events, as part of which EACP unites actors from industry and R&D to develop new ideas needed to improve technology, products and processes. Amongst other things, EACP actively supports opportunities to initiate B2B cooperation, such as AEROMART, the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), EU missions for growth and the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN).
Strengthen EU-position
The third key objective encompasses a range of activities aimed at further advancing the internationalisation of EACP member clusters, their respective regions, and associated companies. A central focus is the development of a competitive and resilient aerospace supply chain within the EU. To this end, specific challenges faced by suppliers will be systematically monitored and fed into the EU’s technology roadmaps. Strengthening the EU’s global position in the aerospace sector also requires a forward-looking assessment of emerging technological fields and the establishment of strategic collaborations with key stakeholders. In doing so, EACP contributes to and aligns with the efforts of leading institutions such as ASD, ACARE, Clean Aviation, EASN, SESAR, and EEN.
EACP is equally committed to enhancing international cooperation beyond Europe. The network actively engages with partners from regions including Canada, the United States, Brazil, Japan, and China. These efforts are supported through the organisation of business missions to and from these regions, partly carried out under the framework of the European Cluster Collaboration Platform and the Mission for Growth Initiative, as part of EACP’s role within the European Strategic Cluster Partnerships. This has led to the establishment of the Global Aerospace Cluster Partnership (GACP) in 2023.
