2 October 2025
PENELOPE at UNIDO Expert Group Meeting: Bringing Gender Inclusion into the Global Cluster Agenda
On 29 and 30 September 2025, more than 100 global cluster experts, policymakers, researchers and practitioners from Africa, Latin America, Europe and India gathered at the UNIDO headquarters in Vienna to discuss the future of cluster development in a rapidly changing global landscape. The meeting explored how clusters can adapt to the challenges of digitalisation, green transition and shifting global value chains, while continuing to drive innovation, competitiveness and local economic development.
As a partner of the PENELOPE project and cluster development expert, Lucia Seel from Lucia Seel International Consulting GmbH was invited to contribute to the discussion by presenting European perspectives on gender inclusion in cluster development. Her intervention highlighted the work and outcomes of the PENELOPE project, including the training methodology, handbook and especially the PENELOPE E-Learning Platform designed for clusters and SMEs.
The event was a great opportunity to share PENELOPE’s core message: gender equality is not just a social priority, but a strategic driver of performance, innovation capacity and organisational resilience. Cluster organisations play a key role as multipliers, supporting SMEs in integrating gender considerations into their internal practices and strategic positioning.
Having the topic of gender on the agenda reaffirmed the global relevance of gender-inclusive cluster development. Discussions at the meeting also emphasised the importance of cooperation, new governance frameworks and inclusive support strategies to ensure that clusters remain effective instruments for sustainable industrial transformation.
The invitation to represent PENELOPE at this international forum demonstrates the growing recognition of our project’s practical contributions and tools. We are pleased that PENELOPE’s results are not only supporting clusters and SMEs across Europe but are now also entering the global conversation on future cluster development.
For more information, contact us at penelope@oxalis-scop.org.