Agri-Food Cluster Pohjois-Savo has received an important international recognition: the European Cluster Excellence Initiative (ECEI) has awarded the cluster the Cluster Management Excellence Label BRONZE – Striving for Cluster Excellence.
The label indicates that the cluster meets European quality criteria and has undergone an independent ESCA assessment (European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis). The evaluation reviews the cluster’s services, strategy, networks, and its ability to support the growth and development of regional companies and organisations.
The Bronze label is valid until 29 February 2028, and it can be used in communication and stakeholder engagement. The benchmarking report also offers valuable insights into how the cluster compares to similar initiatives in Europe and provides concrete recommendations for further improvement.
“This recognition is an important acknowledgment of the long-term work we have done to build and develop the cluster’s activities. It is valuable to receive an independent view on where our strengths lie and where we can continue to improve. The benchmarking report gives us many ideas and tools to further strengthen the cluster’s operations,” says Cluster Manager Kaisa Kähkönen.
The recognition marks a significant step in advancing Agri-Food Cluster Pohjois-Savo’s mission to enhance collaboration, innovation, and competitiveness within the regional food system.
