Strategic Training for Project Managers

Two weeks ago, the Strategic Training for Project Managers kicked off — an annual initiative organized by ACCIÓ within the framework of the Catalonia Clusters Program.

Sixteen Catalan clusters traveled to the Skåne region (Sweden) to learn firsthand about its innovation ecosystem. From the city of Malmö, we took part in various visits, talks, and activities aimed at sharing experiences and best practices in cluster management. Representing the Tech Tourism Cluster was our colleague Sílvia García.

🗺️ The opening day began with a contextual session on how regions foster sustainable and digital innovation through strategy, collaboration, and talent.

We delved into Skåne’s regional innovation strategy, and ACCIÓ shared the Catalan experience in building competitiveness through Catalonia’s clusters.

🤝 In the morning, we explored the role of clusters, academia, and public institutions in generating innovative impact, alongside a first collaborative workshop that encouraged connection among participants.

🏙️ In the afternoon, we visited Media Evolution, a collaborative space and project that supports companies, organizations, and universities, and has become a meeting point for Skåne’s creative and technological ecosystem.

💡 The session continued with presentations from several regional clusters, including OpenTech (technology), Sustainable Business Hub (smart and sustainable cities), and Game Habitat (video game industry).

The day concluded with a second participatory workshop, where we explored initiatives related to the twin transition, green and digital, as well as potential avenues for collaboration between Catalonia and Skåne.

The following day focused on discovering key spaces and institutions that drive research and technological progress in the region.

The program began with a visit to The Loop, located in the Science Village of Lund University. Martin Stankovski (PhD Project Manager and Development Strategist) introduced the university as one of Sweden’s leading centers of innovation and research.

Next, participants visited the MAX IV Laboratory, guided by Marc Obiols Rabasa (Industrial Relations Officer). The MAX IV synchrotron is the world’s first fourth-generation synchrotron, a cutting-edge scientific facility dedicated to research using synchrotron radiation.

The final visit took place at Medicon Village, presented by Lottie Olsson Norrsén, a science park that promotes innovation through collaboration between research and industry to advance medical development and healthcare innovation.

In the afternoon, several Swedish clusters presented their initiatives and best practices, including:
🔹 Regional Skåne’s Business Development Work
🔹 Foodtech Innovation Network
🔹 IUC Syd (Advanced Manufacturing & Materials)

These two days served to strengthen ties between the innovation ecosystems of Catalonia and Sweden, enabling the exchange of experiences and the discovery of new collaboration models that may inspire future initiatives.

👏🏽 From the Tech Tourism Cluster, we would like to thank ACCIÓ for organizing such inspiring and insightful training sessions, which foster international cooperation, competitiveness, and sustainable innovation across Catalan clusters.