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ABC-Network

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'Strengthening and improving entrepreneurial innovation and competitiveness in the agro-food sector through enhancing the Networking of European Agro-Biotech Clusters'

Agro-biotech clusters (ABC) differ from classical agro-food clusters in their emphasis on the scientific dimension. The extent of clustering amongst participant ABCs varies and the ABC Network aims to enhance it. The network will draw on expert help to increase co-operation between participants through analysis of best practice and the identification of barriers to networking and innovation. The project will undertake a benchmarking effort at EU and international levels, and develop a methodology and tools for cluster management.

Through a multi-level governance approach, the ABC Network project will facilitate and promote joint strategies to formulate policy recommendations targeted primarily at regional policy-makers.

The overarching goal of the ABC-Network project is to:
Adopt an approach that will improve entrepreneurial innovation and competitiveness at EU level and strengthen clustering between existing and potential clusters focusing on animal and vegetable biotechnologies applied to the agro-food sector.

The above goal includes 8 objectives:
  • Having a comprehensive state-of-the-art of the clustering process in each region.

  • Identifying potential complementarities between participant clusters.

  • Improving cluster management.

  • Developing joint projects and strategies though collaboration in RTDI, regarding in particular the participation of industry/SMEs of the participant clusters in FP6 projects.

  • Developing joint strategies and tools aimed at fostering the creation of start-ups and spin-offs as well as business projects developed by researchers, in particular through an "ABC Business Mentoring Scheme" and an "ABC Equity Finance network".

  • Creating a common Strategic and Competitive Intelligence tool.

  • Formulating policy recommendations.

  • Creating a sustainable network that will be maintained and enlarged and continue beyond the project.