INOVAcija

About the Project:

Funding: Interreg Danube 2021-2027

Program: Interreg Danube 2021-2027 Transnational Cooperation Program

Lead Partner: Zenica Development Agency ZEDA Ltd.

Partners:

• DeX Innovation Centre_DEX IC
• Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Zagreb_FEB-EFZG
• Innomine Digital Innovation Hub Nonprofit Ltd._INM DIH
• Optimization Ltd._OPTIM
• University of Montenegro_UoM
• The institution for development of competence, innovation and specialisation of Zadar County INOVAcija
• Municipality of Cluj-Napoca_MCN
• European Development Agency_EUDA
• INOSENS Ltd. Novi Sad_INOSENS
• ASPECT-Management and Intercultural Relations_ASPECT
• Foundation for Innovation, Technology and Transfer of Knowledge_FITT
• Association for Responsible Urban Development and Communication_VERA
• Bulgaria Economic Forum_BEF
• Pannon Business Network Association_PBN
• University of Pannonia_UP
• Scientific Research Centre Bistra Ptuj_ZRS Bistra Ptuj

Implementation Period: January 1, 2024 - June 30, 2026

Total Project Value: €2,419,000.00

Support Intensity: 80% co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, Interreg Danube Transnational Cooperation Program

SpinIT aims to maximize the use of transnational knowledge by aligning with the S3 (Smart Specialization Strategy) and developing skills that are not only innovative but also inclusive and sustainable. The project employs a “quadruple helix” approach, integrating knowledge from academia, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), governments at various levels, and the non-governmental sector in the planning and execution of pilot projects. This approach provides a comprehensive perspective on addressing challenges and creating new opportunities within the IT sector, Industry 4.0, and cross-sectoral collaboration.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

• Cross-border Collaboration: Encourages cooperation among 29 organizations (16 financial and 13 associated), promoting knowledge exchange, benchmarking, and capacity building.
• Local Digitalization Action Plans: Developed through stakeholder analysis and their participation in workshops, these plans will support comprehensive local innovation strategies.
• Pilot Projects: Focused on the IT sector and S3, these projects encompass the development and implementation of initiatives to boost IT, Industry 4.0, and cross-sectoral collaboration in 10 selected locations across 9 countries in the region.
• Validation of Pilot Projects: Includes replicating successful projects in different locations, assessing their effectiveness, and identifying best practices.
• Transnational Focus and Specialization: Operating at 10 locations in 9 countries, the project focuses on specific niches in less developed areas to narrow the gap with leading global practices.

PROJECT BENEFICIARIES:

The project primarily benefits innovation intermediaries, startups, SMEs, and advanced ecosystems in the Danube region. It also aims to engage a broad range of stakeholders, raising awareness of the benefits of ecosystem connectivity and promoting skill development in line with Smart Specialization Strategies (S3).

PROJECT ACTIVITIES:

Key activities include enhancing cross-border collaboration, developing Local Action Plans, implementing pilot projects in smart specialization and the IT sector, and validating these projects. The project also emphasizes knowledge exchange, benchmarking, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement to drive innovation and achieve goals.

MAIN EXPECTED RESULTS:

SpinIT expects to create greater interconnectivity within the Danube region by involving businesses, academia, policymakers, the public sector, and SMEs. The project aims to facilitate networking, peer learning, and stimulate local, public, and private stakeholders. It also seeks to support digitalization, smart specialization, and sustainable development throughout the region.

Project website: https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/spinit