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BeLCAR

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'Bench Learning in Cluster management for the Automotive sector in European Regions'

The great diversity amongst European countries distinguishes Europe from the rest of the world. Networking between small and medium enterprises (SMEs) reflects this distinctiveness and provides a dynamic environment for the European automotive industry. This has put Europe at the forefront in the development of specific capabilities related to cross-company and inter-organisational co-operation. If the future of the industry lies in increased specialisation in the value chain, the European automotive industry seems to be particularly well positioned in terms of structures and capabilities.

BeLCAR's main focus is analysis and strengthening of the innovation paths within the automotive clusters. On the basis of this analysis, BeLCAR will focus on building an inter-regional network of automotive clusters for joint activities, to enable lessons learned to be transferred to other European regions and to promote innovation diffusion to other sectors, clusters and regions.

The overarching goal of the BeLCAR project is to:
Improve the performance and innovativeness of automotive clusters in Europe by strengthening regional innovation systems and optimising resources for supporting activities and structures. The objective is to establish a European platform to improve product, process and organisational innovation in and across regional automotive clusters.

The above goal has four broad objectives:
  • Mobilisation of existing automotive clusters in Europe to collaborate and exploit synergies
  • Fostering exchange of knowledge and good practice between automotive clusters
  • Increase understanding of the success factors and weaknesses of clusters in the automotive sector
  • Cultivating joint projects and business strategies among automotive clusters in Europe