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Cluster-to-Cluster Project Development Fund Eligibility

Cluster Organisation Eligibility (must be met by both clusters)

To be eligible, applications must: 

  • Each application must include two clusters, at least one cluster from each jurisdiction (Ireland & Northern Ireland).
  • Show genuine joint governance and delivery (named leads, a joint steering group and decision‑making process).
  • Provide a credible plan to recruit and support firms in both jurisdictions (numbers aligned to the chosen band).
  • If an early‑stage cluster applies, it must partner with an established cluster/network and demonstrate delivery capacity and industry access.
  • Cross‑sector collaborations are welcome.

Individual Cluster Organisation Eligibility Criteria

Each cluster must meet the mandatory cluster‑organisation eligibility criteria. To be recognised as a cluster organisation within the Shared Island supports, each cluster applicant is required to demonstrate that they meet the following criteria:

  • Industry‑led governance: Firms shape the strategy, priorities, and decision‑making. Governance structures ensure balanced representation and avoid dominance by any single actor.
  • A mission focused on business value: Cluster organisations address shared industry challenges and deliver measurable outcomes such as collaborative projects/products/services, supply‑chain linkages, talent initiatives, or export growth.
  • Neutral and transparent coordination: Membership is open and based on clear, published criteria. Activities are designed for collective benefit, not for the advantage of one company or institution.
  • Professional cluster management: Dedicated staff are responsible for convening members, securing funding, managing partnerships, and delivering an annual work programme aligned with industry needs.
  • Structured collaboration with academia and government: Engagement focuses on applied research, innovation adoption, talent development, and ecosystem building. The organisation does not act as a lobbying body or general business representative.
  • International orientation: The cluster connects members to global value chains, EU networks, and international partners to support competitiveness and growth.
  • Evidence‑based operation: The organisation monitors performance, reports on impact, and continuously improves its services and strategy.