The initiative builds on an existing partnership between ART-ER and SPRI, both active members of the TCI Network and had the support of the Enterprise  Europe Network. During the mission, TCI CEO Patricia Valdenebro joined bilateral discussions between the two agencies and met with cluster representatives, highlighting the mission as a tangible example of interregional cooperation grounded in the cluster model.

Jointly organized by ART-ER and Grupo SPRI (Basque  Trade & Investment), the visit marks a concrete step toward a formal interregional cooperation agreement, aimed at establishing a structured framework to promote cross-border collaboration in research, innovation, and industrial development.

The mission brought together 10 cluster  organizations from each region, alongside universities, research centers, and industry associations operating in sectors ranging from agrifood to aerospace, mobility to ICT. A key highlight was the cluster-to-cluster (C2C) matchmaking event, which enabled over 30 bilateral meetings in a single morning—paving the way for joint initiatives in areas such as smart mobility, digital health, clean  technologies, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.

Beyond networking, the mission served as a platform for mutual learning. Delegates from Emilia-Romagna gained insight into the Basque economic and industrial model through an overview by Basque Trade & Investment, followed by a briefing from Grupo SPRI on regional cluster policy. Particular attention was given to BIND 4.0, the Basque Country’s flagship public-private open innovation platform, as well as to regional strategies in hydrogen and  cybersecurity, including the Basque  Hydrogen Corridor (BH2C) and the Basque  Cybersecurity Centre—both recognized as European centers of excellence.

Sector-focused site visits further reinforced the mission’s objectives. Clusters in mechanics and mobility toured the Automotive Intelligence Center (AIC) and the Advanced Manufacturing Center for Aeronautics (CFAA). Those working in digital, health, and  life sciences met with TECNALIA, Biolan Health, and Cocoon Bioscience, while clusters focused on urban development and  sustainable construction held meetings with Bilbao City Council and IDOM, the engineering firm behind many of the city’s transformation projects.

The mission strengthened dialogue between the two regions’ clusters and laid the groundwork for new collaborations. It marked a concrete step toward a more structured interregional partnership built on shared expertise, joint projects, and a common vision for innovation.