Clustering Activities in the Cloud-Edge-IoT Continuum: Approaches to Collaboration and Ecosystem Impact

Clustering activities have become an increasingly important instrument within Horizon Europe, supporting collaboration beyond individual project boundaries and strengthening programmelevel impact. As research and innovation initiatives address complex technological and societal challenges, isolated project execution often leads to fragmentation and limited uptake. Clustering responds to this challenge by enabling structured inter-project collaboration, knowledge exchange, and coordinated engagement with external stakeholders. This white paper examines clustering activities from a conceptual and strategic perspective, drawing on literature on inter-organisational collaboration and innovation ecosystems. It frames clustering as a coordination mechanism that balances shared value creation with the autonomy and constraints of individual projects. The paper highlights the added value of clustering in terms of collective sense-making, alignment of approaches, and increased visibility, while also acknowledging structural challenges related to governance, confidentiality, and commitment. By synthesising theoretical insights with experience from Horizon Europe contexts, the paper positions clustering as a designed practice rather than an ad hoc extension of dissemination. It aims to support project teams and programme stakeholders in understanding how clustering can contribute to sustained ecosystem-level impact when implemented in a structured and strategic manner.