ISMC Participates in Clusters Meet Regions & ECCP Matchmaking in Pamplona to Advance Europe’s Strategic Autonomy and Industrial Transformation
ISMC Participates in Clusters Meet Regions & ECCP Matchmaking in Pamplona to Advance Europe’s Strategic Autonomy and Industrial Transformation
At the beginning of November, the Iberian Sustainable Mining Cluster (ISMC) took part in the Clusters Meet Regions & ECCP Matchmaking event held in Pamplona on 12–13 November 2025. The gathering brought together regional authorities, European cluster organisations and industrial stakeholders to discuss how interregional cooperation can accelerate the green and digital transitions and build more resilient industrial ecosystems across Europe.
The Clusters Meet Regions initiative aims to bring the European cluster community closer to regional actors, creating synergies that strengthen strategic value chains and enable coordinated responses to Europe’s industrial challenges. This edition, co-organised by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) in partnership with Sodena and the Government of Navarra, offered an especially relevant setting given the region’s strong industrial base.
Navarra: a region with solid industrial capabilities facing new transitions
Navarra has long been recognised for its strong industrial tradition, with key sectors including automotive, renewable energy, health, electronics and agrifood. This solid foundation positions the region as a suitable environment for advancing sustainable reindustrialisation.
However, like many European regions, Navarra faces significant challenges:
adapting to the electrification of mobility,
scaling innovation in renewable technologies,
strengthening SME competitiveness within European value chains,
and advancing industrial digitalisation.
These dynamics created an ideal context to explore how clusters and regions can jointly reinforce Europe’s strategic autonomy, foster stronger interregional connections and promote collaborative innovation.

A programme centred on decarbonisation, circular value chains and Smart Specialisation
Across two days, the event addressed several key areas shaping Europe’s industrial future, including:
industrial decarbonisation and clean technology manufacturing,
the transformation of energy-intensive sectors,
the development of circular value chains,
and the role of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) in enabling regional competitiveness.
The sessions also provided a valuable environment for connecting European stakeholders working in advanced materials, clean technologies and sustainable manufacturing.
ISMC was represented by David Sanjuán, who participated in various technical sessions and matchmaking activities, strengthening the cluster’s engagement in European industrial dialogues and shaping new opportunities for cross-border cooperation.
ISMC’s contribution to NEO-CYCLE: activating synergies with S3 regions, industrial clusters and RMIS
As part of the NEO-CYCLE project, ISMC holds a key responsibility in identifying and activating synergies with:
Smart Specialisation (S3) regions,
European industrial clusters,
S3P Industrial Modernisation platforms,
and the Raw Materials Information System (RMIS).
During the event, ISMC advanced its mapping and engagement activities with regional and industrial actors that will be essential for the future development of permanent magnet recycling value chains, a strategic priority for Europe’s energy transition and industrial resilience.
This work supports stronger interregional collaboration, alignment with European policies and the integration of key stakeholders into the next phases of the project.

Compromiso de ISMC con la cooperación europea
ISMC’s commitment to European cooperation
ISMC’s participation in Clusters Meet Regions reinforces the cluster’s role as a leading actor in European industrial innovation, contributing expertise in critical raw materials, clean technologies and collaborative governance.
We remain committed to:
connecting regions, clusters and strategic ecosystems,
strengthening sustainable value chains,
and supporting Europe’s leadership in strategic industrial technologies.

