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UA_EU_CLUSTER5.0: International Partnership for the Digital and Innovation-Driven Development of SMEs

About the Project

UA_EU_CLUSTER5.0 is an international initiative that brings together digital clusters from Ukraine, Portugal, and Italy to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their digital transformation, innovation development, and integration into the European market.

The project focuses on Industry 5.0, which places efficiency, people, sustainability, and resilience at the core of technological advancement. UA_EU_CLUSTER5.0 helps SMEs become active contributors to this new industrial paradigm.

Mission

To foster a resilient European innovation ecosystem with strong SME engagement through inter-cluster cooperation, support for internationalization, investment readiness, and the implementation of digital and green innovation.

Objectives

Strengthen the digital and technological capacity of SMEs;
Expand access for Ukrainian companies to European markets;
Promote collaboration among clusters, academia, business, and government;
Advance the principles of Industry 5.0;
Enhance the investment readiness of SMEs;
Stimulate innovation based on shared knowledge and co-creation.

Target Audience

Small and medium-sized enterprises (with a focus on Ukrainian SMEs);
Digital, sectoral, and innovation clusters;
Technology hubs, startups, and research institutions;
Local authorities and policymakers;
European institutions, investors, and business associations.

Key Areas of Activity

Investment Facilitation

Investment within UA_EU_CLUSTER5.0 is a strategic tool to strengthen SME competitiveness. Key actions include:

Developing a joint EU cluster brand to build market trust;
Creating a guide to access European funding instruments;
Hosting regular webinars on investment readiness;
Launching an online platform for information exchange and joint initiatives;
Supporting collaborative innovation projects in smart specialization and Industry 5.0.

Fostering Collaboration

UA_EU_CLUSTER5.0 connects SMEs, clusters, and stakeholders from three countries through:

Organizing B2B meetings, trade missions, and partnership events;
Appointing cluster brokers and mentors in each participating country;
Developing joint strategies and value chains;
Building a "triple helix" model of collaboration between business, academia, and government.

Supporting Internationalization

The project paves the way for Ukrainian SMEs to enter EU markets through:

Market analysis of Portugal and Italy to identify opportunities;
Organizing trainings, missions, and consultations with local chambers;
Guiding business environment adaptation and EU compliance;
Offering recommendations to reduce market entry barriers and ensure regulatory alignment.

Driving Innovation

Innovation is the foundation for long-term growth during the twin digital and green transitions. Activities include:

Hosting Open Innovation Labs;
Thematic webinars on digital transformation and Industry 5.0;
Peer learning among SMEs across partner countries;
Engaging scientific and technical experts in project activities.

The Role of Chernihiv IT Cluster

The Chernihiv IT Cluster is an official partner of UA_EU_CLUSTER5.0 and represents Ukraine in this international collaboration. As part of the project, the Cluster:

Facilitates the involvement of Ukrainian digital SMEs in project activities;
Supports communication and knowledge exchange between Ukrainian and European companies;
Promotes Industry 5.0 practices among Cluster members and partner organizations;
Contributes to the creation of a sustainable environment for innovation, cooperation, and regional growth.

UA_EU_CLUSTER5.0 is funded by the European Union.

UA_EU_CLUSTER5.0: International Partnership for the Digital and Innovation-Driven Development of SMEsAbout the Project