The first meetings, convened in Chicago, Pittsburgh and Cleveland, considered the work of the clusters in the metals sector in Germany and the United States. Germans and Americans gave presentations and participated in panel discussions on best practice strategies for technological development, technology transfer, internationalization, cluster policy and the recruitment of skilled workers. As early as November, Thuringia will host cluster members from the US, introducing them to the local cluster’s successful work and exploring possibilities for cooperation. (gro)