In the new strategic INTERREG CENTRAL EUROPE project CluStrat - Boosting Innovation through new Cluster Concepts in Support of emerging Issues and cross-sectoral Themes, 18 partners have joined forces to support the development of new cluster policy approaches with regard to emerging industries and cross-sectoral themes as gender or sustainability.The public conference marks the start of this strategic project. Against the backdrop of the overall cluster policy trends at EU level, the conference aims at exploring both the challenges and the potentials related to these emerging issues for innovation in clusters. Participants are invited to discuss with innovation policy makers and cluster experts from CENTRAL EUROPE regions and the Danube Region.