On 14 January 2026, a regional round table was held to present and validate projects within the European Clusters4Regions initiative. The event brought together representatives of government agencies, cluster associations, businesses, experts, and higher education institutions. Also, there were SumDU specialists.

Participants were informed about approval of the Regional Cluster Development Program of the Sumy Region for 2025-2027. It was adopted in accordance with Order 704-ОД as of 27 October 2025. SumDU took active part in its development.

Vladyslav KONDUS (head of the SumDU Research Department and regional coordinator of the Clusters4Regions initiative in the Sumy Oblast) outlined key objectives and priorities of the program. Emphasized compliance of the presented cluster projects with the defined directions of development and smart specialization of the region.

Within the Clusters4Regions initiative, results of competitive cluster selection were presented. Their compliance with strategic priorities of the Sumy Oblast was confirmed.

SumDU experts joined discussion of projects in engineering, innovative development, export potential, and science-business interaction. University representatives provided recommendations on strengthening the scientific component of projects, implementing modern technological solutions, and training personnel for clusters.

Approaches to expert evaluation of cluster projects were also presented. Issue of creating the Regional Cluster Council was discussed. It had to become a permanent coordination platform for development of the region’s cluster policy.

Following the round table, participants agreed on further steps to implement cluster initiatives within Clusters4Regions. They will strengthen cooperation between business, government, and scientific-educational community. Here, SumDU specialists will also participate actively.