The 2025 edition of AGORADA+ will take place in Ajdovščina, Slovenia, hosted by our member ROD Ajdovščina. As a well-established tradition, AGORADA+ will once again create synergies with the Clusters Meet Regions initiative, as in previous years.
Ajdovščina, located in western Slovenia near the Italian border, is home to the Knowledge Park – a vibrant innovation ecosystem integrating industrial, academic, and policy actors. With strong cluster activity in green technology, sustainable agriculture, and advanced manufacturing, the region provides an inspiring backdrop for discussions on how place-based innovation can support Europe’s twin transition. This setting offers a unique opportunity to connect innovation with cultural development and to promote cross-border cooperation in an evolving regional context.
Click here to check the draft agenda, and here you can find the participant booklet.
Agenda Overview:
10 September 2025: Day 1 will focus on regional innovation and cross-border collaboration. Following a welcome session featuring key representatives from local and European institutions, the day will begin with a presentation on Slovenia's innovation landscape. A high-level panel will then explore the Knowledge Park of Ajdovščina as a catalyst for regional development, highlighting the role of clusters in driving smart specialisation. Subsequent panels will also address cutting-edge topics such as hydrogen solutions for the green transition and innovations in sustainable food systems. The afternoon will feature a co-creation workshop focused on building smart innovation ecosystems aligned with the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP). Lastly, the day will conclude with a cultural evening showcasing the GO!2025 European Capital of Culture program and regional gastronomy, providing a platform for informal networking and cross-border engagement.
11 September 2025: Day 2 will shift focus to the role of RDAs and clusters in advancing Europe’s twin green and digital transitions and strategic autonomy. A roundtable discussion will explore how RDAs are acting as agents of change through best practices and interregional cooperation in the North Adriatic. A subsequent panel will delve into the role of RDAs and clusters in fostering place-based innovation and strategic autonomy, emphasising local strengths and tailored approaches. The second day of the event will wrap up with site visits to regional innovation leaders: Pipistrel (electric aviation), Incom (innovative ice cream production), and the Municipality of Ajdovščina (smart farming and digital solutions). These visits will provide participants with a first-hand look at sustainable, future-ready initiatives rooted in the region.
