SoCool@EU Final Report
Five world- class clusters have joined forces in this project to create an open European hub that will enable research- driven regional clusters throughout Europe to collaborate and mutually learn in order to achieve more sustainable and competitive freight gateways and hubs with associated logistical services and transport operations. Together, they build a leading network of logistics gateways in Europe.
WP1 Project Management
The Project Coordinator has been responsible for the project coordination and communication, the assurance of the project quality, and the provision of support for WP leaders to fulfil the tasks with high quality. The project was managed successfully.
WP2 Analysis and integration of research agenda’s of actors in regional clusters
The work package has successfully developed a cluster analysis report on the participating logistics and transport clusters by analysing their competitiveness and giving recommendations for action for specific joint projects and topics between the clusters. The analysis was based on four well-proven qualitative and quantitative data collection instruments as pillars: public statistics, online-questionnaire, open expert interviews and meta-analysis. The results of all four data instruments were discussed and verified in regional cluster workshops. The cluster analysis report is in high demand within the regional clusters as scientific document giving valuable insights into the competitiveness and profiles of the SoCool@EU clusters.
WP3 Initiatives to improve integration: definition of a joint action plan
All WP3 tasks have been fulfilled successfully. The consortium has produced three deliverables to engage the SoCool@EU research-driven clusters in project- and topic-related collaboration on a future platform. The consortium has defined six fields of joint action and eleven project proposals in these fields. A clearly significant result additionally is that based on the vivid exchange with experts during the cluster conference, project partners from the clusters already interested in participation could be acquired who are keen on following up developments in WP4.
WP4 Measures towards the implementation of a joint action plan
The focus of WP4 is on facilitating operable projects and activities determined in the JAP (Joint Action Plan). The platform concept was defined through knowledge exchange and the result was agreed by the cluster members. The JAP was implemented during the project. For instance, an executive master programme was developed in cooperation with a group of universities in The Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Germany and Italy. In addition, cooperation between logistics clusters was strongly facilitated.
WP5 Support activities relating to mentoring
All WP5 tasks have been fulfilled successfully. The consortium has finalised two deliverables, based on literature (and best practice) studies, inputs from other WPs and experience and best practices of other logistics clusters (in NL/BE, DE, ES, DK/SE), regional workshops and visits. Furthermore, a Mentoring Action Plan has been developed, i.e. a strategy on how to establish successful triple-helix cluster cooperation in the Mersin region. In addition, various logistics activates were organised or attended (including Study Tour China) for exchanging best practices and for providing support to European logistics industry (especially SMEs).
WP6 Dissemination and valorisation
The strategy of project dissemination has been determined at the start of the project. Dissemination tools and channels were developed and used intensively (e.g. web site, LinkedIn Group, Newsletters, Flyer and poster). Actions for establishing and reinforcing the relations with decision makers, industry, and the EC (European Commission) were taken. A regional user group was established. More than 20 cluster workshops, seminars and sessions were organised. The consortium partners attended around 47 external national and international events (e.g. conferences, summits, workshops) to promote the project and its results. In addition, the consortium has collaborated with and been involved in the European initiatives, such as ALICE and Urban Europe.
