GAP ANALYSIS between ERA_FABRIC regions

According to the United Nations report published in 2019 – A Framework for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Reviews – Harnessing Innovation for Sustainable Development, the main building blocks of innovation systems are:

(1). Policy and regulatory framework

(2). Institutional setting and governance

(3). Entrepreneurial eco-systems and access to finance

(4). Human capital

(5). Technical and R&D infrastructure

(1). The policy and regulatory framework should provide incentives to established and emerging firms to invest in learning, knowledge and innovation, and take related risks. The policy framework should comprise various STI policy instruments, which should be coherent internally and externally with other key policy areas.

(2). Institutional setting and governance include the legal rules, standards and norms in a society, along with the organizational setting and governance mechanisms used to create, regulate and enforce them. Institutions should incentivize actors to invest in productive activities and discourage rent-seeking ones.

(3). Entrepreneurial eco-systems and access to finance are key for encouraging business incubation and growth of innovative companies. Ensuring that promising innovative projects can receive financial support is also a matter of organizational capabilities and policy frameworks. Organizations financing innovation for sustainable development should adapt their instruments to make them easier to access for young social entrepreneurs and start-ups with value propositions relevant for achieving development goals. Government can support this by ensuring a stable regulatory framework and by promoting new financial instruments catered to the needs and capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs.

(4) Human capital relies on all levels of education, and includes the technical and managerial skills involved in a variety of innovation activities, from R&D, design and engineering, to technology brokerage and networking. A strong technical and vocational, basic and higher education system must provide basic science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and management skills. With new technologies certain skills have become more essential (problem solving, teamwork, creativity and learning to learn, and ICT skills). Indigenous and traditional knowledge also forms a vital part of the human capital of countries that can contribute to sustainable development.

(5). Technical and R&D infrastructure comprises basic technical infrastructure (e.g. water, energy, ICT, transport and urban structures), specialized infrastructure supporting R&D, demonstration and innovation processes (e.g. laboratories, testing and certification facilities), and existing technologies. Basic technical infrastructure is one of the key factors promoting innovation as it improves physical mobility of people and enables exchanges of information and knowledge locally and internationally.

In conclusion, it is clear then that STI policy rooted in innovation system thinking has always been a policy domain integrating elements and instruments from various, mainly economic, policy fields. These include science and technology policy, industrial policy, trade policy, FDI policy, entrepreneurship policy, fiscal policy, regional development and planning, as well as education and training policy. It also concerns specific sector policies such as those focusing on agriculture, energy, transport, health and so on, which often include R&D programmes, as well as sets of regulations more or less favourable to innovation.

The ERA_FABRIC analysis describes the main characteristics of national and regional policies for R&I in the project partner locations, maintaining the focus set on the 3 identified thematic domains. The gap analysis between the partner regions is based also on the results of the regional workshops performed by each partner organisation, involving key relevant stakeholders, and was meant to identify what is missing to foster place -based knowledge ecosystems and improve the effectiveness of public research and innovation investments and granting facilities, including synergy opportunities. The present chapter presents the feedback collected and synthesised for each of the nine regions/ countries.

I.AUSTRIA – LOWER AUSTRIA Region

Needs Analysis:

1. Funding Challenges:
   • Low Budget for Basic Research (TRL 1-4): The budget allocated for open-ended basic research is insufficient.
   • Fragmented Funding Landscape: Overlaps between various funding instruments, further complicated by regional and national boundaries.
   • Lack of Funding for Prototypes (TRL 6+): Inadequate funding available for prototype development and higher-level research.
2. Collaboration and Communication Challenges:
   • Limited Collaboration Awareness: Insufficient understanding of the competencies and resources within the innovation ecosystem hampers effective collaboration.
   • Limited Accessibility of Research Results: Research findings are not easily accessible to civil society, reducing the impact and relevance of research.

Opportunities for Growth:

1. Strengthening Collaboration:
   • Create Collaborative Platforms: Establish platforms that facilitate efficient collaboration at regional and interregional levels, encouraging knowledge sharing and resource utilization.
   • Promote Networking Events: Organize events, workshops, and conferences to enhance awareness of partner competencies, fostering collaborations within the ecosystem.
2. Enhancing Funding Mechanisms:
   • Diversify Funding Sources: Explore diverse funding sources such as public-private partnerships, international collaborations, and venture capital to supplement existing budgets.
   • Encourage Return on Investment (ROI): Develop financial instruments that allow returns from successful research exploitation to fund new research initiatives, creating a self-sustaining cycle.
3. Improving Research Accessibility and Relevance:
   • Science Communication Initiatives: Invest in science communication efforts to translate complex research findings into easily understandable language for the general public, increasing awareness and acceptance.
   • Crowdsourcing Research Questions: Engage the public in research processes by incentivizing the submission of research questions and innovation ideas, fostering a sense of community involvement.

Additional Recommendations:

• Continuous Monitoring: Establish a system for ongoing evaluation and feedback to assess the effectiveness of implemented strategies and make necessary adjustments.
• Policy Advocacy: Collaborate with policymakers to advocate for policies that support research funding, collaboration, and public engagement in science.
• Capacity Building: Invest in training programs to enhance the skills of researchers, focusing on proposal writing, collaboration techniques, and science communication.

By addressing these gaps and leveraging the suggested opportunities, the research and innovation ecosystem can be strengthened, leading to increased collaboration, enhanced funding, and greater societal impact of research efforts.

II. CROATIA – ADRIATIC CROATIA Region

Needs Analysis:

1. Top-Down Approach:
   • Decision-making and policies are primarily driven from the top-down, limiting grassroots innovation and local initiatives.

○ Limited innovation diversity, lack of community engagement, and missed local problem-solving opportunities.

2. Policies and Instruments Independent of Political Cycle:
   • Policies and funding instruments lack consistency, often changing with political cycles, leading to instability and unpredictability.

○ Uncertainty hampers long-term planning and investment; projects may be halted or altered with political changes.

3. Lack of Expertise in Project Writing:
   • Companies lack expertise in writing projects, especially in the context of Higher Education (HE) projects, hindering their ability to secure funding and collaborate effectively.

                         ○    Missed opportunities for HE projects; limited participation in collaborative initiatives.

Opportunities for Growths:

1. Opportunities for Funding Startups and Young Entrepreneurs:

○ Establish dedicated funds or grants specifically targeted at startups and young entrepreneurs. Provide mentorship programs to guide them through the application process.

○    Encourages innovation at the grassroots level; supports local talent and ideas; fosters entrepreneurship.

2. More Matchmaking Events:

○ Organize frequent matchmaking events where startups, entrepreneurs, and established companies can meet potential investors, collaborators, and mentors.

○ Facilitates collaboration; connects ideas with resources; promotes networking and knowledge exchange.

3. Platform for Promoting Research Outcomes and Innovative Demand:

○ Develop an online platform where researchers can showcase their outcomes and companies can express innovative demands. Facilitate connections between research outputs and industry needs.

○ Enhances visibility of research; promotes collaboration between academia and industry; aligns research efforts with market demands.

4. Advocate for Stable, Long-term Policies:
   • Engage with policymakers to advocate for stable, long-term policies and funding instruments that are independent of political cycles.

○ Provides predictability for businesses and investors; encourages long-term planning and investments in innovative projects.

5. Promote Bottom-Up Innovation:
   • Opportunity: Encourage grassroots innovation by organizing innovation challenges, hackathons, and community-driven projects. Provide support and recognition for local initiatives.

○ Benefits: Fosters creativity and diversity in innovation; addresses local challenges effectively; engages communities in the innovation process.

Key Considerations:

Enhance Training and Consultancy Support:

○ Provide training programs and consultancy support specifically focused on HE project writing. Collaborate with experienced consultants to guide companies through the application process.

○ Builds expertise within companies; increases success rate in securing funding for HE projects; strengthens collaborative efforts between academia and industry.

By implementing these strategies, the region can shift from a top-down approach to a more inclusive, stable, and innovative ecosystem. These actions promote collaboration, support local talent, and align research efforts with market demands, fostering sustainable growth and development.

III.CZECH REPUBLIC- SOUTH MORAVIAN Region

Needs Analysis:

1. Outdated Projects and Shifting Needs:
   • Challenge: Projects outlined in the Regional Innovation Strategy become outdated due to rapidly changing regional needs, especially in the business sector.
2. Lack of Centralized Funding:
   • Challenge: The absence of dedicated funding for the Regional Innovation Strategy results in projects relying on disparate national funding sources, causing inconsistencies and hindering cohesive development.
3. Limited University Autonomy:
   • Challenge: Universities have restricted budgets primarily allocated to specific projects, leaving little room for independent initiative development, particularly in collaboration with companies.
4. Limited Support Diversity:
   • Challenge: Financial support from cities and regions is predominantly directed towards established agencies, neglecting other potential actors who could contribute significantly to innovation.
5. Discrepancy in Policy Implementation:
   • Challenge: Misalignment between effective regional strategies and lack of implementation or absence of strategies at the national level creates a disconnect, hindering coherent progress.

Opportunities for Growth:

1. Strengthening Long-term Operators:
   • Opportunity: Allocate dedicated funding to long-term systemic operators like the South Moravian Innovation Centre and INTEMAC. Empower these organizations to facilitate continuous innovation initiatives and bridge the gap between changing regional needs and project implementation.
2. Coordinated Funding Mechanisms:
   • Opportunity: Establish a centralized funding mechanism linked directly with the Regional Innovation Strategy. This can ensure consistent financial support for projects outlined in the strategy, fostering sustained development and adaptability to changing regional demands.
3. University-Industry Collaboration and Autonomy:
   • Opportunity: Encourage and financially support universities to collaborate with companies on mutually beneficial projects. Provide universities with a portion of ‘free money’ specifically dedicated to fostering innovation, thereby promoting collaborative initiatives that address evolving regional needs.
4. Diversify Support:
   • Opportunity: Encourage cities and regions to diversify their financial support. Instead of exclusively funding established agencies, allocate resources to new, innovative startups, research groups, and collaborative industry-academic ventures. This diversity can bring fresh perspectives and novel solutions to regional challenges.
5. Bridge Policy Gaps:
   • Opportunity: Facilitate communication and collaboration between regional and national policymakers. Encourage the alignment of national policies with successful regional strategies. Establish channels for feedback and adaptation, ensuring that effective practices at the regional level are integrated into national policies.

Key Considerations:

• Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a system for regular monitoring and evaluation of projects and initiatives funded through the Regional Innovation Strategy. This feedback loop will enable timely adjustments and improvements based on the effectiveness of implemented strategies.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Actively involve all stakeholders, including businesses, universities, regional agencies, and policymakers, in the development and implementation of strategies. Their input and collaboration are crucial for the success of regional innovation initiatives.

By addressing these gaps and capitalizing on the identified opportunities, the regional innovation ecosystem can become more adaptive, collaborative, and responsive to the evolving needs of the region, thereby fostering sustainable growth and development.

IV. ITALY – EMILIA ROMAGNA Region

Needs Analysis:

1. Knowledge-Sharing and Communication Challenges:
   • Challenge: Insufficient knowledge-sharing initiatives and lack of structured communication channels hinder information dissemination about energy-related activities, particularly concerning excluded stakeholders in mountain areas.
2. Innovation Focus and Resource Exploitation:
   • Challenge: Limited focus on energy innovation in mountainous regions, impeding the bridging of the development gap with lowland territories. Issues related to biomass exploitation, including forest certifications, wind power complexities, and hydropower bureaucracy create obstacles.
3. Financial Constraints and Advocacy:
   • Challenge: Financial constraints, such as the high VAT, impede disaster restoration efforts in mountainous areas. Advocacy efforts to reduce VAT and secure necessary funding for restoration projects face challenges.
4. Trust and Collaboration Deficits:
   • Challenge: Mistrust among stakeholders and limited collaboration between research centers, companies and local entities hinder effective problem-solving. Past efforts have built trust to some extent, but overcoming deep-seated mistrust remains a challenge.
5. Limited Awareness of Research Institute Capabilities:
   • Challenge: Stakeholders lack awareness of the potential contributions of research institutes to the territory. The disconnect between research capabilities and stakeholder needs hampers problem-solving efforts.

Opportunities for Growth:

1. Strengthened Communication and Knowledge Sharing:
   • Opportunity: Develop structured communication channels, such as discussion forums and online platforms, to facilitate knowledge-sharing initiatives. Organize events, exhibitions, and fairs focused on key industrial sectors, providing a platform for stakeholders, local entities, and research institutes to interact.
2. Enhanced Advocacy and Financial Support:
   • Opportunity: Mobilize stakeholders to advocate for reduced VAT rates and increased funding for disaster restoration purposes. Establish partnerships with governmental bodies and non-profit organizations to secure financial resources for vital restoration projects in mountainous areas.
3. Building Trust and Collaboration:
   • Opportunity: Implement collaborative projects that involve stakeholders, research centers, and companies, emphasizing transparent communication and mutual benefits. Foster trust-building initiatives through joint problem-solving efforts and shared successes.
4. Awareness Campaigns and Capacity Building:
   • Opportunity: Launch awareness campaigns highlighting the capabilities and potential contributions of research institutes to the region. Organize training sessions and workshops to enhance the skills of stakeholders, enabling them to leverage research institute resources effectively.
5. Leveraging Regional Funds for Collaboration:
   • Opportunity: Encourage companies to collaborate with High Technology Network laboratories by providing incentives and streamlined processes. Leverage regional funds to support collaborative projects, emphasizing the advantages of cooperation between companies, universities and research institutes.

Key Considerations:

• Collaborative Leadership: Appoint dedicated leaders or coordinators responsible for fostering collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring that initiatives are cohesive and align with regional goals.
• Long-Term Engagement: Recognize that building trust and effective communication take time. Implement long-term engagement strategies that involve regular interactions, feedback sessions, and joint planning to sustain positive relationships.
• Measuring Impact: Develop metrics to measure the impact of communication and collaboration initiatives. Regularly assess the effectiveness of communication forums, events, and collaborative projects to refine strategies based on real-time feedback.

By addressing these gaps and capitalizing on the identified opportunities, the region can foster a collaborative environment, facilitate knowledge exchange, and drive sustainable growth and development in the mountainous areas.

V. NORWAY – TRØNDELAG Region

Needs Analysis:

1. Identifying project partners:
   • Challenge: Lack of overview over the innovation ecosystem, including insight in special competence for the individual actors, which makes it complicated to find information about, and identify potential partners.
2. Managing expectations concerning collaboration outputs:
   • Challenge: Complex and innovative projects generally involve many different stakeholders. Managing all the involved parties expectations is complicated and time-consuming, especially when the different parties represent different kinds of organisations.
3. Keeping up with market demands:
   • Challenge: Market- and information globalisation are speeding up both offer and demand. Having enough time to commercialise new research is often challenging.
4. Lack of feedback on calls for funding:
   • Challenge: There is often a mismatch between the institutions publishing calls for funding and the organisations applying for it. Institutions publishing calls for funding don’t always understand completely what the applicants are working with or how they operate.

Opportunities for Growth:

1. Ecosystem mapping:
   • Opportunity: Map the organisations that belong to the innovation ecosystem, and organise them in sub-groups depending on their areas of interest and needs. Invite all essential stakeholders to collaborate on improving the ecosystem or sub-ecosystems by together defining the most crucial needs and goals/actions that will meet the needs.
2. Negotiation skills development:
   • Opportunity: Implementing courses for acquiring negotiation skills and project management. Negotiation skills are vital when managing complex projects that involve many different kinds of stakeholders. Defining deliverables and objectives at an early stage can play a vital role in ensuring a successful collaboration.
3. Re-skilling professionals:
   • Opportunity: Creating tailored courses to re-skill professionals in fields that are no longer as in high-demand as others.
4. Pre-calls for funding:
   • Opportunity: Add the possibility to give feedback to calls for funding before the actual call is open, like the EU does. This way organisations that are going to apply to the call can participate in ensuring that the call is tailored to their sector and needs.

Key Considerations:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Ensure that all relevant stakeholders within the ecosystem are engaged in the implementation process. This includes all relevant actors from the quintuple helix; their input and support are crucial for success.
• Collaboration and Networking: Encourage collaboration and networking among ecosystem participants. Building relationships and partnerships can enhance the effectiveness of ecosystem mapping, negotiation skills development, and re-skilling initiatives.
• Feedback Loops: Establish feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement. For example, stakeholders should be allowed to provide feedback on the effectiveness of negotiation skills courses or the relevance of tailored training programs, not only on calls for funding.
• Change Management: Implement change management strategies to help stakeholders adapt to new practices and technologies. Ensure that the transition to these opportunities is as smooth as possible.

The implementation of the aforementioned opportunities for growth can enhance the resilience, effectiveness, and sustainability of the region’s ecosystem. These measures can help foster collaboration, innovation, and growth while ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.

VI. POLAND – MAZOWIECKIE Region

Needs Analysis:

1. Communication Competence and Soft Skills Development:
   • Challenge: Inadequate communication competences among stakeholders hinder effective collaboration and problem-solving. The lack of soft skills, such as interpersonal communication and negotiation, creates barriers in productive interactions.
2. Sustainable Funding for Collaborative Initiatives:
   • Challenge: Difficulty in securing sustainable funding for collaborative initiatives hampers long-term planning and execution of joint projects and activities.
3. Leadership Deficits:
   • Challenge: Lack of strong leadership within collaborative initiatives leads to directionless efforts, creating ambiguity in decision-making and strategic planning.

Opportunities for Growth:

1. Soft Skills Development:
   • Opportunity: Implement training programs and workshops focusing on communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution. Develop instruments, such as online courses or workshops, to enhance soft skills among stakeholders. These programs can be organized collaboratively by regional authorities, educational institutions, and industry bodies.
2. Moderation and Collaboration Facilitation:
   • Opportunity: Regional authorities can play a key role in moderating collaborative activities. They can facilitate connections between the capital region and peripheries, ensuring that collaborative efforts are well-matched and that expertise and resources are shared effectively across regions. This moderation can bridge gaps and promote inclusive collaboration.
3. Intermediary Instruments for Funding:
   • Opportunity: Develop intermediary funding instruments, such as joint venture funds or public-private partnership grants, specifically designed to support collaborative initiatives. These funds can be managed by regional authorities and allocated to projects that demonstrate high potential for regional development. Such instruments can ensure sustained funding for collaborative efforts.

Additional opportunities:

1. Capacity Building:
   • Opportunity: Establish leadership development programs tailored to individuals within collaborative initiatives. Provide training on strategic planning, team management, and decision-making. Encourage the formation of leadership networks where experienced leaders mentor emerging leaders within the collaborative ecosystem.
2. Cross-Sectoral Partnerships:
   • Opportunity: Encourage collaborations between diverse sectors, including academia, industry, government, and non-profit organizations. Cross-sectoral partnerships can bring varied expertise to the table, fostering innovation and problem-solving. Regional authorities can facilitate networking events to initiate such partnerships.
3. Transparent Resource Allocation:
   • Opportunity: Implement transparent processes for allocating resources within collaborative initiatives. Clearly define criteria for funding allocation and project selection. This transparency fosters trust among stakeholders and ensures that resources are allocated based on merit and impact potential.
4. Knowledge Sharing Platforms:
   • Opportunity: Establish digital platforms or forums dedicated to knowledge sharing and best practices. These platforms can serve as repositories of information, enabling stakeholders to learn from successful collaborative initiatives. Regional authorities can support the development and maintenance of these platforms.

By implementing these strategies and leveraging the identified opportunities, the region can overcome communication challenges, establish sustainable funding mechanisms, and foster strong leadership within collaborative initiatives. This collaborative ecosystem will not only address existing gaps but also pave the way for innovative solutions and regional growth.

VII. PORTUGAL – NORTE Region

Needs Analysis:

1. Connectivity and Translation of Knowledge:
   • Challenge: Inefficient connectivity and translation of knowledge between research and innovation activities hinder the seamless flow of ideas and technologies from research to practical application.
2. Risk-Prone Behaviour:
   • Challenge: Risk-averse behaviour among stakeholders impedes innovative endeavors, as fear of failure limits experimentation and the pursuit of unconventional solutions.
3. Funding Challenges:
   • Challenge: Inadequate availability of private and public funding to absorb the inherent risks associated with Research and Innovation (R&I) initiatives. Insufficient funding leads to discontinuity in project development and implementation.
4. Loss of Knowledge from Publicly Funded Projects:
   • Challenge: Knowledge produced in publicly funded projects often gets lost or diluted, diminishing the impact of these projects and hindering the progress of subsequent initiatives.
5. Lack of Synergies between Funding Instruments:
   • Challenge: Limited synergies between different funding instruments, such as structural funds, EU funds, state budgets, and private capital, create gaps in multilevel implementation and hinder comprehensive project support.

Opportunities for Growth:

1. Public Funding Follow-Up and Support:
   • Opportunity: Public funding mechanisms should incentivize and require follow-up activities based on the results of previous projects. This ensures that the entire R&I cycle is supported, from early-stage research to mature tech development, fostering continuity and innovation progression.
2. Simplification and Combination of Funding Sources:
   • Opportunity: Streamline administrative processes and regulations to simplify access to various funding sources. Enable the combination of different types of funding, encouraging collaboration and allowing projects to leverage diverse financial resources effectively.
3. Increase Availability of Risk/Venture Capital:
   • Opportunity: Facilitate the availability of risk and venture capital to support innovative projects. Encourage private investors to invest in R&I initiatives by providing incentives, tax benefits, or co-investment schemes. This increased financial support can fuel high-risk, high-reward projects.
4. Strengthened Interplay among Stakeholders:
   • Opportunity: Foster a collaborative ecosystem by strengthening the interplay among stakeholders. Encourage partnerships between academia, industry, and government bodies. Promote knowledge exchange, collaboration, and mutual support to leverage collective expertise and resources.
5. Knowledge Management and Dissemination:
   • Opportunity: Implement robust knowledge management systems within publicly funded projects. Disseminate project findings, results, and best practices widely to ensure that valuable knowledge is retained, shared, and utilized for future initiatives. Encourage open-access publications and platforms for knowledge dissemination.

Key Considerations:

• Evolving Policies: Regularly review and update funding policies and regulations to adapt to the changing needs of the R&I landscape. Flexible policies can better accommodate diverse projects and foster innovation.
• Capacity Building: Invest in capacity building programs to enhance the skills of researchers, entrepreneurs, and project managers. Equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge can boost the quality and impact of R&I initiatives.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of funding programs. Regular evaluations can provide insights into the success of projects, identify challenges, and inform future funding strategies.

By addressing these gaps and capitalizing on the opportunities presented, the region can create a conducive environment for continuous innovation, knowledge transfer, and sustainable growth in the field of Research and Innovation.

VIII.ROMANIA – NORTH-WEST Region

Needs Analysis:

Challenges, Obstacles, and Missing Skills:

1. Lack of Trans-sectoral Support:
   • Limited collaboration and support across different sectors.

                         ○    Hindered innovation due to lack of diverse perspectives and expertise.

2. Lack of Expertise in Project Writing:
   • Companies and consultants lack experience in supporting Higher Education (HE) project writing, focusing mainly on national ERDF calls.

                         ○    Missed opportunities for funding and collaborative projects.

3. Better Visibility of Expertise:
   • Lack of awareness about each other’s expertise within the ecosystem. ○ IInefficient utilization of available skills and knowledge resources.

Opportunities for Growth:

1. Matchmaking Sectors and Connecting Supply-Demand:

○ Create a platform or initiative that facilitates collaboration between different sectors. Encourage partnerships by matching technology and service providers with organizations in need.

                         ○    Enhances cross-sectoral collaboration, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange.

2. Develop a Network of Project Writing:

○ Provide training programs for staff in Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs), companies, and consultants. Focus on project writing skills, especially tailored for Higher Education initiatives.

○ Builds expertise, increasing the quality and quantity of HE project proposals. Enhances the chances of securing funding and successful project implementation.

3. Platform for Promoting Research Outcomes and Innovative Demand:

○ Develop an online platform showcasing research outcomes and innovative products/services. Encourage researchers, companies, and HE institutions to display their work and innovative demands.

○ Increases visibility of expertise and research outcomes, attracting potential collaborators and investors. Fosters a culture of innovation.

Key Considerations:

4. Enhance Cross-Sectoral Collaboration:
   • Organize regular workshops, conferences, and networking events involving participants from diverse sectors. Encourage knowledge sharing and collaborative ideation sessions.

○ Promotes mutual understanding, leading to more effective collaboration. Facilitates the exchange of ideas and expertise.

5. Promote Knowledge Exchange and Mentoring:
   • Establish mentorship programs where experienced project writers mentor newcomers. Encourage a culture of knowledge exchange within the ecosystem.

○ Transfers expertise, improving the overall skill set of project writers. Fosters a supportive community, enhancing collaboration and learning.

6. Advocate for Policy Changes:
   • Engage with policymakers to advocate for policies that promote cross-sectoral collaboration and allocate specific funds for HE projects.

○ Creates a conducive environment for collaboration. Ensures sustained support and resources for HE initiatives.

By implementing these strategies, the gaps in trans-sectoral support, project writing expertise, and visibility of expertise can be effectively addressed, leading to a more vibrant and collaborative ecosystem supporting Higher Education projects.

IX. SPAIN – CATALONIA Region

Needs Analysis:

Challenges, Obstacles, and Missing Skills:

7. Innovation Measurement through Papers, Not Technology Transfer:
   • Gap: Innovation progress is primarily measured through academic papers, neglecting the real-world application and technology transfer.

○ Impact: Underestimation of practical innovation; lack of focus on commercialization and societal impact.

8. Lack of Competences for Eco-systemic Approach:
   • Gap: Insufficient skills within organizations for addressing challenges holistically within the ecosystem.

○ Impact: Incomplete problem-solving; missed opportunities for collaborative and comprehensive solutions.

9. Unpaid Orchestration Role:
   • Gap: Individuals perform orchestration roles without compensation.

○    Impact:               Limited motivation;        potential              talent    drain;    hindrance            to               effective collaboration.

10. Misalignment of Expectations (TRL System):
    • Gap: Misunderstandings between clients and technology providers due to the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) system.

                         ○    Impact: Discrepancies in project expectations; potential project failures or delays.

11. IPR Conflicts in Co-creation Projects:
    • Gap: Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) conflicts arise during co-creation projects.

                         ○    Impact: Stifled innovation; potential legal disputes; hindrance to knowledge transfer.

Opportunities for Growth:

1. Diversify Innovation Indicators:

○    Strategy:            Introduce            diverse indicators            like         spin-offs,            patents,               and        real-world applications to measure innovation progress.

○    Benefits:            Reflects practical               impact; encourages        technology         transfer and commercialization efforts.

2. Empower Representatives with Holistic Skills:

○ Strategy: Provide training and support to representatives, fostering a holistic understanding of challenges and solutions.

○    Benefits: Enhances problem-solving abilities; promotes comprehensive, eco-systemic approaches.

3. Recognition and Compensation for Orchestration:

○ Strategy: Advocate for recognition and compensation from regional administrations for individuals performing orchestration roles.

○    Benefits:            Boosts  motivation;        attracts and        retains  talent;   ensures sustained collaboration efforts.

4. Clarify TRL System and IPR Management:

○ Strategy: Develop clear guidelines, best practices, and easy-to-understand resources related to TRL system and IPR management.

○ Benefits: Reduces misunderstandings; promotes smoother collaboration; prevents legal conflicts.

Key Considerations:

5. Emphasize the Value of Co-creation:

○ Highlight the added value of co-creation processes despite IPR complexities. Educate stakeholders about benefits.

○    Encourages collaborative innovation; fosters creativity; promotes mutually beneficial partnerships.

12. Explore Other Policy Proposals:
    • Investigate and implement other proposed policies, aligning them with the region’s specific needs and goals.

○    Provides tailored solutions; addresses unique challenges; supports overall ecosystem development.

By implementing these strategies, the region can bridge the existing gaps, fostering a more robust ecosystem for innovation, technology transfer, and collaborative problem-solving.