We participate in ACCIÓ's Strategic Cluster Week to delve deeper into the innovation ecosystem of the United Kingdom

The Tech Tourism Cluster has participated in a new edition of Strategic Cluster Week, the international mission organized by ACCIÓ that brings together the leaders of the main Catalan clusters to learn firsthand about the most cutting-edge innovation ecosystems. For a week, a delegation of sixteen cluster managers traveled through London and Oxford to analyze the UK's economic, business, and innovation model, share experiences, and identify new opportunities for international collaboration.

The program combined visits to leading institutions and organizations with reflection sessions on some of the major challenges facing today's companies and economies. Among the highlights was a visit to the London Stock Exchange, where participants learned about the operations of one of the world's financial hubs and its role in attracting investment and talent. The delegation also visited Connected Places Catapult, an innovation center specializing in cities, transport, and infrastructure, where various collaborative initiatives between companies, startups, public administrations, and research centers to accelerate innovation were presented.

The mission also offered a privileged insight into the British economic and social context. Professor Anand Menon analyzed the evolution of the UK economy and the ongoing impact of Brexit on the country's competitiveness and international relations. Subsequently, Professor Colin Mayer invited participants to reflect on the role that businesses should play in society, advocating for long-term value creation and a more responsible vision of business activity. For her part, philosopher Carissa Véliz provided a critical perspective on the ethical challenges associated with data and artificial intelligence, highlighting the need to build a more responsible, transparent, and human-centered digital future.

The stay in Oxford also provided an opportunity to share experiences with the Catalan community based in the city, during a meeting dedicated to getting a close-up look at one of the world's most prestigious university and research ecosystems. The conversations centered on the educational model, knowledge transfer, innovation, and the connection between universities and businesses—key elements for boosting regional competitiveness.

Once again, participation in Strategic Cluster Week reinforces the Tech Tourism Cluster's commitment to internationalization, continuous learning, and the integration of new perspectives that contribute to generating greater value for the traveltech ecosystem companies.