The proposed project CReATE is based on the cooperation of highly innovative clusters in the creative industries, one of the emerging lead markets of the European knowledge economy. With the objective to bring the benefits of research to SMEs, the largest group in those clusters, the project facilitates an “open innovation” approach. It incentivates and enables a more systematic use of the innovation potential of information & communication technologies (ICT), key for developing internationally competitive products and services. To strengthen the research potential of EU regions, and to increase related investments from EU, national & regional funds, CReATE targets to position regional capabilities in the most promising international technology and market development perspectives. Prospective tools and a focus on the trans-regional dimension complement the traditional tools to lay the ground for self-sustaining economic success. Thus, CReATE promotes synergies between regional, national, EU & research policies, and facilitates intra- and trans-regional cooperation and knowledge exchange between cluster development agencies, researchers, SMEs and MNEs. To optimise outcomes, the Consortium Members have working relationships already proven successful, and can add European value with their complementary contributions. They bring in-depth knowledge of creative industries, practical cluster development and the underlying theories, and of providing strategic economic and policy intelligence in general. To optimise CReATE’s contribution to the objectives of the call we plan to 1) develop and apply a new assessment template 2) develop a joint research agenda 3) develop a toolkit, and implement training courses for interested regions, also for other clusters 4) ensure multiplying effects beyond project scope and timeframe.