Selected comment from the participants over the years
"The five intense days at the Competitiveness Summer School provided me with a much-needed deep dive into the most recent cases and theory on cluster development and sustainability. What made the sessions stand out were the quality of the teaching staff and the variety of case studies. A truly recommendable summer school."Tue David Bak, Managing Director, Greater Copenhagen, Denmark (Alumni 2023)
"This has been one of the best trainings that I have experienced. I'd strongly recommend it to the professionals working in public sector, especially for those who work with sectoral and industrial policies in regional and national level."Raimonds Aleksejenko, Deputy State Secretary, Ministry of Economics, Latvia (Alumni 2018)
It provided us with some theory and a big deal of practical examples of cluster development initiatives by highly established academics and practitioners. The case studies and field visits provided real life overview of how cluster initiatives develop and operate to grow clusters to their fullest potential from within”Feras Momani, CEO ECO Consult, former Director of Reform Secretariat, Ministry of Planning, Jordan (Alumni 2019)
"A unique opportunity to learn cluster strategy from the world’s leading theorists and practitioners while meeting other people from around the world who are involved with all aspects of cluster projects."Lina Volpini de Carvalho, Manager, Market Access Unit and International Relations Sebrae- MG, Brazil (Alumni 2010)
"The Training program is one of the best high level training programs I have attended, The trainers made it easy by the various interactive sessions they made us participants do together that brought a lot of bonding and understanding of our own context and relating it to the various study cases we reviewed. I have already started putting into practice the knowledge I gained and looking forward to implement more of it within the projects am involved with other colleagues from Europe and Africa".Poncelet Ileleji, CEO, Jokkolabs Banjul, The Gambia (Alumni 2025)
"I had a very high expectation for this one week, and I honestly can say that they delivered more than I expected.Evita Feldberga, Director of Sectoral Department, Ministry of Economics, Latvia (Alumni 2018)
All speakers were of the highest level with deep knowledge of competitiveness theory and practice. The practical approach was the most valuable thing about the training. We brought home quite a precise action plan for Latvia’s future sectoral policy development."
"The training on cluster development was an excellent practical program that really outlines the steps needed to unlock the growth potential of a country’s competitive sectors. I highly recommend this program for Economic Policy makers because this is really the way to follow to improve the competitive position of our companies."Omar Asfour, Director of the Project Management Unit, Ministry of Finance, Jordan (Alumni 2019)
"The international dimension of the participants was a real bonus. In addition to what I was learning from the professors in class, the other students opened my eyes to the unique approaches used in other countries."Ernesto Flores, ITSON Technology Institute of Sonora, Mexico (Alumni 2008)
It was a deep diving in the Cluster experience with high level professors in one of the best business schools in the world. I really appreciated the learning method with the business cases which were very interactive and helped me mostly to actively participate and understand the cases.Claudia Soncin, Network Coordinator, TCI Network (Alumni 2018)
"I really appreciated the integration of theory and practice in the delivery of the programme. The real-world case studies exemplified the role of the companies themselves in proactively building competitiveness by leveraging the cluster. The week was intense, challenging, educational and enjoyable . I came away with a world-class perspective on how clusters can drive competitiveness."Geraldine Doyle, Lecturer/PhD Researcher, Munster Technological University, Ireland, (Alumni 2023)
"Attending this memorable training in Barcelona was a truly inspiring experience. As a representative of La chambre de Commerce, d'industrie et d'Agriculture de Mauritanie (CCIAM), I gained valuable insights into competitiveness, innovation, and cluster development. The mix of theory, practical examples (case studies), and international exchange made the program both engaging and relevant. I return to Mauritania motivated to apply what I’ve learned to strengthen our business ecosystem and support youth entrepreneurship."Moulaye Abderrahmane Mulaye El Hacen Chef service développement des entreprises et appui à l'International, Mauritanie (Alumni 2025)
"Our country has received much money to support clusters but nothing efficient enough to keep in place. In the training we learnt how we, as public sector, can dialogue with companies in a local environment, understand their problems and challenges, and help them increase their competitiveness."Zorica Maric, Head of Unit, Serbian Ministry of Economy (Alumni 2010 & 2014)
"Lately, a lot of public funding has been granted in Bulgaria, specially from the European Commission, to create structures and committees likely to foster competitiveness and innovation. Once the money is burnt everything stops. That is not sustainable. On the contrary, through the Foundation’s training programme, we get actionable knowledge, and acquire the right mindset. This capacity building effort empowers the local economic development teams to do their job better."Genoveva Christova, Manager of the Bulgarian Furniture Cluster (Alumni 2014)