Postponed due to the situation with Coronavirus outbreak in Italy.

We hope to reschedule for later in the year but due to the uncertainty of how things will progress have not yet set a date. More details to be shared nearer the time.

The TCI Cluster Evaluation Working Group will meet in Milan, Italy on 27-28 April 2020 (starting at 13:30 on Day 1, concluding at 14:00 on Day 2 – followed by an optional study visit), hosted by the Lombardy Region (see draft agenda).

On the first day, the workshop will focus on discussing how to help focus investment for best return and ensure dynamism in a regional cluster portfolio – conducting a peer review of the emerging policy and evaluation framework in the Lombardy region. How to select cluster initiatives for funding? What criteria should be used? How can regions evidence progress and ensure dynamism – refreshing, renewing and even rationalising their cluster portfolios over time?

On the second day, the workshop will delve into the topic of evidencing the wider impact of clusters, discussing experience in working with shared value creation and contributions to the sustainable development goals, and presenting approaches for evidencing impact “beyond GDP”. In addition, we will revisit, report progress and follow-up a number of previous working group activities and discuss with working group members any other new ideas and potential topics for exploration within the working group.

Places are limited, and we are looking for active contributions from participants to share their experience and take forward working group outputs. In particular, we are looking for participants with experience in policy development and evaluation of a cluster portfolio (over time), or in evidencing the wider impact of clusters. Places will be restricted to a maximum of 2 per organisation to maximise shared learning.

The deadline for expressing your interest in participating is Friday, March 6th. Confirmation of participation will be communicated the following week. (If you need to know earlier in order to make travel arrangements, please get in touch.)

The event is free to TCI members, and members will be given priority. (You can become a member by following this link to gain free access to this workshop, reduced rate at the global conference and many other benefits of joining). Lunch and coffee breaks are included in the workshop. Participants are expected to support their own travel, accommodation and other subsistence expenses.