REG CON

"Support action for innovation driven clusters in construction. Regional approaches, multi-stakeholder engagement and cross regional co-operation."

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The driving idea of REG CON is the advancement of the concept of “R&D based clustering” across regions of Europe with a thematic focus on construction. This sector is both dynamic in creation of growth and employment [~7% of national employment/GDP, ~14% when add design and materials], but relatively backward in absorbing innovation. The Strategic Research Agenda prepared by European Construction Technology Platform set up ambitious but realistic goals to transform this traditional sector into the knowledge driven and R&D based. REG CON activities strength those goals from regional level. REG CON sets the following yardsticks of success and objective fulfillment:  Set up in the EU of three regional construction clusters and intense R&D activities of two existing one  Achieving cluster participant mobilization in each of the clusters, resulting to understanding of needs for each cluster actor, development of practical R&D action plans and co-operation.  Achieving nine instances of mentoring, cross- regional co-operation, SWOT analyze, joint R&D Action Plan and good practice transfer among the clusters and experts beyond the clusters. These would be implemented by: surveys, regional events and workshops, dissemination and mentoring activity.  Designing a financial instrument that would secure the sustainability of the clusters and R&D cooperation beyond the project lifetime.  Designing an administrative and management structure that would host and administer the cluster Project partnership is based on two advanced construction clusters from Finland & Slovenia [mentors] and three regions with “clusters initiatives” which need to be transform into clusters [Poland, Spain, Greece]. Each region involve main stakeholders: industry, research, local authorities. Partners in the project are members of European Construction Technology Platform and National Technology Platforms which ensure the link with European objectives for sector R&D development.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Innovation and regional thinking in construction has the potential to stimulate the industry.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The construction sector in Europe is a dynamic force behind growth and employment, amounting to 7% of national employment per gross domestic product and 14% when design and materials are accounted for. However, it is relatively behind in absorbing research and development (R&D) and innovation.

The Strategic Research Agenda prepared by the European Construction Technology Platform has set up ambitious goals to transform this traditional sector into a knowledge driven and R&D-based one. In response, the EU-funded Reg con project is supporting innovation-driven areas in Europe or 'clusters' that will house research and construction infrastructure. The initiative will involve regional approaches, multi-stakeholder engagement and cross-regional cooperation.

Reg con has elaborated a framework to define the most important elements for emerging, developing and mature clusters. Thorough analysis of potential stakeholders' opinions on cluster initiatives was undertaken through field surveys in each country, taking into account the specific requirements and needs of the relevant region and cluster.

The project prepared country reports and a database of potential cluster members and stakeholders. In 2008 it mobilised stakeholders during communication workshops organised in the Basque region, Greece and Poland. Meetings with potential stakeholders took place and intense dissemination activities were undertaken. This laid the ground for forming new clusters in these three regions. Novel action plans developed by the project were an important step in further developing the new clusters, covering organisational, operational, and financial aspects.

As a result of all its activities, Reg con also prepared a publication titled 'Regional construction clustering in action. Strategic roadmapping & action planning'. This publication acts as a guideline for cluster formation, featuring examples for construction clustering beyond the pilot regions. Another publication titled 'Regional construction clustering in action. Case study showcase' provides insight into the plans and aspirations of several European cluster regions. The case studies highlight innovation in construction and demonstrate the clustering concept in action.

Lastly, by incorporating small and medium-sized enterprises into sector innovation processes, the Reg con project has contributed to a knowledge-based shift in the construction sector. Its actions are still helping to change the face of construction in Europe into that of a leaner and more competitive industry.