2Introduction Imagine a future where industrial clusters – geographical areas where co-located companies, public institutions and organizations operate – become collaboration hubs, seamlessly linking stakeholders into smart, connected ecosystems. Digital twins simulate shared infrastructure operations, enabling scenario analysis, optimizing electricity loads and clean fuel supply networks and assessing the impact on local value chains. Inputs and outputs are tracked from production to recycling using digital labels and 5G to ensure full transparency. Big data uncovers new ways to trade and monetize by-products, trace its ESG attributes and connect companies in intelligent ways. Energy is smarter too—AI and IoT forecast and balance renewable energy production and optimize usage and storage, cutting costs and emissions. Manufacturers, suppliers, transport and logistic operators together with regulators collaborate through secure platforms, exchanging real-time data to ensure energy resilience and security, boost industrial competitiveness, mitigate environmental risks and enhance the local value chain. This future isn’t far-off. Leading clusters are already showing how digital technologies can boost efficiency and sustainability for all while supporting the creation of jobs and fostering local economic development. This paper explores how digital collaboration can transform clusters, offering real-world examples and practical guidance. Section 1 highlights digitalization as a foundation for cross-industry collaboration. Section 2 outlines a five-step digitalization roadmap for industrial clusters. Source: Digital solutions to power decarbonization, World Economic Forum.Digital matters Emissions in hard-to-abate sectors are largely driven by poor efficiency, waste and byproduct, and indirect emissions across value chains. 20% Fewer emissions could result from scaling digital solutions in hard-to-abate industries. 87% Of companies say digital will disrupt their industry but only half say they’re prepared.1 The case for digital collaboration in industrial clusters As industries face mounting pressures from resource constraints, energy security, emission regulations and environmental impact in a fast-changing global economy, collaboration becomes key to manage risks and overcome challenges in a coordinated, systemic way. Digital collaboration at the cluster level – a paradigm where stakeholders leverage digital technologies to enable information sharing, improve insights and coordinate efforts – offers a powerful tool to improve competitiveness, resiliency and security while delivering broader environmental and societal benefits. By shifting from isolated digital adoption to collaborative approaches – such as data collaboration and digital integration – industrial clusters can leverage the benefits of scale, diverse supply and demand profiles as well as enhanced operational efficiencies to achieve outcomes that no single organization could accomplish alone. Figure 1 highlights five strategic areas of application and key technologies that enable digital collaboration at cluster level. Yet this potential remains largely untapped, as many industrial clusters operate as simply co-located businesses, missing the opportunity to create greater system value through collaboration.

Five Steps for Digital Collaboration in Industrial Clusters 2025