Nice discussion today at TCI2025  where I had the opportunity to share some insights on Transformative Innovation and its synergies and differences with Cluster policy, followed by a really insightful discussion groups around this topic that is gaining real traction.

The main agreement we reached: this is an open  learning process for all!!!

We often hear about clusters as “transformative actors” but we should start specifying certain concepts.  Transformative Innovation is a new frame of innovation policy that deals not with changing sectors or value chains, but with the goal of  changing systems. It starts by formulating questions on the problem side, and deals with  complex challenges around how we produce, consume, and organise key human needs like food, health, mobility, housing, or energy. Therefore, it includes changes in social norms, behaviours, and governance models, and some times, the creation of new markets.

By contrast, cluster policy is a  supply-side tool, devoted to finding good solutions for already defined problems. It supports companies to innovate within current markets—usually incrementally—and that it’s obviously something that remains  essential.

YET, systemic transitions need very much  clusters’ contribution. New systems require  new value chains, as no innovation reaches society without firms turning ideas into real, viable solutions (both technically and economically) through new business models.

So while clusters are not meant to lead system change, indeed they can play a key role in  connecting markets with emerging societal needs—by anticipating shifts, supporting experimentation, and helping companies position themselves in the markets of the future.

A pleasure to share panel with James Wilson, Emily Wise, Madeline Smith, Jan-Philipp Kramer (PhD) and Alberto Pezzi. I hope the conversation will continue somehow in the future.