The Waste Cluster Initiative - Evolving from a Cluster of Projects to a Cluster of Knowledge

Abstract

The WASTE CLUSTER INITIATIVE (WCI) focuses on the creation of an international balanced network of (regional) waste management-related initiatives, for mutual learning and exchange of knowledge, skills and technologies that will lead to an optimization of waste management-related innovation and competitiveness excellence. This cluster will stimulate the innovation and business creation by the expansion and enhancement of a network of regional waste management-oriented clusters, not only circumscribed at a European dimension but also considering Mediterranean Partner Countries MPCs, thus maximizing the usage of knowledge spillovers. This cluster involves the spatial concentration of complementary activities with intensive interaction, achieving extraordinary performance and competitiveness, obtaining benefits for industry, society and research. WASTE CLUSTER takes advantage starting form a natural integration of different ongoing projects such as SOWAEUMED, STInno, WASTEKIT and TEMP, which had already identify two strategic common topics that should be the major thematic focus of the WASTE CLUSTER INITIATIVE: 1)Water and Waste Water management & 2) Waste into Products Technologies and Processes. WASTE CLUSTER is a free entrance strategy rather than a close club, where the diffusion to all the Project partners is ensured in order to reinforce their diffusion to their regional potential interested stakeholders and try to obtain funding synergies. The cluster should be connected to the Water Supply and Sanitation Technology Platform (WSSTP) in order to build a common agenda.