The county of Cluj will become a strategic reference hub for innovation and applied research, by transforming the former Clujana shoe factory into a hub that will integrate complementary functions essential for the development of the regional innovation ecosystem, according to the Cluj County Council (CJ).

'The Cluj County Council and the Nord-Vest Regional Development Agency have finalised a partnership agreement designed to turn Cluj County into a strategic reference centre for innovation, applied research and technology transfer to the business community. The agreement is to be submitted to the county councillors in the next meeting of the county administrative forum for approval. (...) The future hub will integrate complementary functions essential for the development of the regional innovation ecosystem, namely: a 'FabLab' dedicated to prototyping and product development, a business incubator for startups and innovative entrepreneurs, as well as the development of technology transfer services and connection between academia, research and companies,' the Cluj County Council reported on Monday.

Adequate spaces for mentoring, co-working, prototyping, etc. activities will also be arranged.

'With the help of European funds, we will set up on the former industrial platform a Regional Support Centre for innovation, research and technology transfer activities of SMEs in the Nord-Vest region, which will also keep the name of Clujana. The Romanian business community and our entrepreneurs deserve all the support! The hub will operate in a building on the premises of the defunct factory, which is managed by the county. The investment will revitalise, on the one hand, the Cluj Platform and will strengthen Cluj's position as the largest regional hub for smart development in Romania,' according to Chairman of the Cluj County Council Alin Tise.

Clujana was a well-known shoe factory in Cluj-Napoca, founded in 1911. In the 1980s, the factory was the largest of its kind in Eastern Europe. At that time, it had 8,000 employees, with its own tanning sections, factories of soles, shoes, and rubber items. After 1989, Clujana decayed, being declared bankrupt in 1999 and closed. In 2004 a section of the factory was reopened with only 35 employees, a section that expanded over the years, reaching over 300 employees in 2009. In 2003, the government decided to transfer the majority share package to the property of Cluj County and the administration of the Cluj County Council. AGERPRES (RO -editing by: Marius Septimiu Avram; EN - writing by: Corneliu-Aurelian Colceriu)

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