The “European Cluster Manager of the Year" and “European Cluster Partnership of the Year” Awards are organised by the European Commission with the support of the European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP), as a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements of cluster managers and cluster partnerships, highlighting specifically their efforts and commitment to cluster development as well as to promote and reckon the role of clusters as agents of change, steering and effectively impacting their industrial ecosystem.

The selection process to grant such awards will be organized in three phases:

• Step 1: After the deadline for submitting applications, an expert jury will pre-select three nominees per each award category, based on the selection criteria outlined.
• Step 2: the shortlisted nominees will have to provide a short video/teaser highlighting their achievements and outlining why they deserve such award. They will be put forward for online voting on the digital hub of the European Cluster Conference as from 14 September until 22 September 2022.
• Step 3: The participants to the conference will also have the opportunity to cast their vote onsite, in a dedicated ballot box.

The voting will close on Day 1 of the Conference and will be followed by a celebratory Awards Ceremony, during which the winners of each Award will be announced.