CEEC Renews Gold Label Accreditation for Excellence in Cluster Management at the European Level

Submitted by Francesc Ribera on 08 October 2024

CEEC Renews Gold Label Accreditation for Excellence in Cluster Management at the European Level

The Catalan Energy Cluster has renewed its Gold Label accreditation, awarded by the European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis (ESCA). This recognition is a mark of excellence in cluster management at the European level, acknowledging best practices and the implementation of continuous improvement processes. The cluster first earned this accreditation in 2021, and now, in 2024, it has successfully passed a new evaluation, reaffirming its leadership position in the sector.

The renewal of the Gold Label signifies the achievement of 80% of the quality indicators established by the European Cluster Excellence Initiative (ECEI). This evaluation includes criteria such as the cluster’s management maturity, the committed and active participation of its members, efficient financial management, as well as the impact and recognition of the cluster within its field.

Obtaining this certification involves a rigorous process, which includes a prior self-assessment and an external audit conducted by independent experts in cluster analysis. During this audit, the 31 quality indicators set by the ECEI are reviewed, covering aspects such as structure, governance, the types of participants, financing, and cluster services. A key element of this evaluation is the cluster's ability to implement continuous improvement processes, following the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) model. With this renewal, the CEEC is consolidated as one of the most relevant clusters in Europe, joining other Catalan clusters that have also earned this prestigious accreditation.

This recognition underscores the importance of the collective work of cluster members, which includes companies from various technological fields, research centers, and public entities, in a joint effort to strengthen the sector's competitiveness. Additionally, the renewal of the Gold Label certifies that the cluster complies with international management standards, facilitating its participation in collaborative projects and its integration into global innovation networks.

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