The paper reports about a German cross-cluster cooperation project that links a microelectronics cluster with a biotechnology cluster. The focus is on cross-cluster innovation: How can new products and start-ups be systematically generated and qualified at the intersection of the two fields? The article presents methods and tools that were custom-tailored and applied for cross-cluster innovation activities and events (Idea Lounge, Idea Day). Evidence was collected for the effectiveness of a custom-tailored cross-innovation processes, indicating the need for creative innovation management and customized workshop design. Generally, they indicate key components for the model of an open virtual incubator.

Keywords Technology cluster, cross-cluster innovation, inter-organizational knowledge exchange, creative techniques, incubator