On October 25, 2024, the ERA_FABRIC initiative held an insightful online webinar, “Enhancing the Local Impacts and Synergies of EU Framework Programme Project Results.” The event gathered experts and stakeholders from across Europe to discuss the critical role of EU-funded projects in fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and collaboration at regional and local levels. The webinar explored three core themes—sustainable manufacturing, bio-based circular economy, and clean renewable energy—and highlighted the opportunities and challenges for maximizing local impacts.

Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussions:

Panel 1: Sustainable Manufacturing (moderator: Lluis Vine) The sustainable manufacturing session examined how EU funding stimulates economic growth and competitiveness, particularly through infrastructure improvements that attract businesses. Major points included:

• Economic Impact: EU projects significantly contribute to GDP growth and job creation, although benefits like improved quality of life for citizens are less directly visible.
• National vs. International Funding: Insights from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia highlighted the difference between national structural funds and international programs like Horizon Europe.
• Challenges for SMEs: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) face barriers to accessing EU funds due to limited resources and expertise in grant applications. Panelists recommended platforms for training in grant writing and regional advisory services to bridge this gap.
• Inclusiveness and Knowledge Sharing: Participants emphasized the need to bridge expertise gaps between Western and Eastern Europe through inclusive programs, local engagement, and sharing best practices from completed projects.

Panel 2: Bio-based Circular Economy (moderator: Simone Hagenauer) In the bio-based circular economy session, participants discussed the importance of collaboration across research, business, and government sectors to drive sustainable impacts:

• Spinoff Creation: Spinoffs were recognized as a significant positive outcome of EU projects. However, success varies by region, with Catalonia leading in knowledge transfer compared to Romania, where spinoff creation remains limited.
• Circular Economy and Long-Term Impact: Upcoming regulations emphasize sustainable practices, but concerns were raised about the long-term viability of EU projects, which are often short-lived.
• Academic Challenges: Short-term academic contracts, particularly in Austria, hinder sustainable research progress, underscoring the need for stable support systems to retain talent and continuity in innovation.

Panel 3: Clean Renewable Energy (moderator: Ivana Vuka) The clean renewable energy panel explored ways to increase project impacts and ensure policy integration:

• SME Engagement: Many SMEs are hesitant to adopt innovations due to limited resources, highlighting the need for guidance and support to help these businesses implement innovative solutions.
• University Collaboration: Universities play a critical role in connecting research to industry, and fostering local innovation.
• Policy Integration: Effective policy integration of project results requires the early involvement of policymakers to align initiatives with regional development goals.
• Dissemination and Cross-Regional Collaboration: To extend the reach of project outcomes and address regional disparities, additional funding for post-project dissemination and promoting cross-regional collaboration was recommended.

Sonja Polan’s key insights centered around Austria’s efforts to advance knowledge transfer and intellectual property (IP) valorization. As part of an Austrian support ncp.ip organization, Sonja’s team focuses on disseminating IP knowledge to help transition research and innovation into practical applications like company setups and licensing.

Their program, founded in 2010, supports professionalizing knowledge transfer in Austria, with a range of tools such as IP events, webinars, and a women’s network in IP. They maintain a database of free contract templates in German and English, covering topics from non-disclosure agreements to software development. Additionally, their Open Innovation Toolbox provides resources for open innovation processes, aiming to foster collaboration in research institutions and SMEs.

Recently, knowledge valorization—broadening beyond traditional tech transfer to engage more stakeholders—has become a priority for Austria’s tech transfer strategy. In response, they are running workshops and studies to assess community needs and enhance their tools. Their focus also includes promoting women in IP through networking and a German-language podcast, Women for Innovation.

During the meeting, Ivana Vuka from the European IP Helpdesk discussed the need to promote the concept of knowledge valorization and raise awareness of its importance, though she noted that some regions still lack an understanding of this approach. The discussion highlighted different approaches to intellectual asset management across Europe and emphasized the need for greater collaboration in areas of social impact, standardization, and public engagement. Participants also noted issues with the fragmented approach to EU projects and the importance of involving local policymakers from the outset to ensure lasting influence on regional strategies and policies.

The challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were discussed, particularly the bureaucratic and technical language barriers, and the need for support to enable their participation in European projects. The participants pointed out the lack of effective integration of project results into local strategies and the need for more targeted communication efforts. The significance of retaining talent in regions through European projects was also highlighted.

In closing, the organizers announced the next workshop on November 28, focusing on the human-centric impact of the research and development process, and invited participants to continue their engagement in future discussions.

Overall Insights The webinar highlighted the necessity of stronger support mechanisms to involve local businesses and policymakers in EU initiatives. Recommendations included targeted outreach for SMEs, consistent funding for longer-term impact, and establishing regional collaborative networks. These measures are essential for ensuring EU projects contribute meaningfully to regional development and competitiveness.