Cross-border network for the activation of the S3 strategies of the regions Upper Austria and South Bohemia

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The South Bohemia Region and the Province of Upper Austria support the promotion of innovative entrepreneurship in the long term - be it through various funding programs, the development of a regional innovation ecosystem, cooperation with other institutions in the region or the implementation of measures according to their regional S3 strategies. In both regions, these documents have recently been revised and updated (RIS3 Strategy of the South Bohemia Region 2021-2027/#upperVISION2030). It is a strategic approach to the region's economic development in the areas of research and innovation, identifying opportunities and strengths of the region that could benefit from specialization in a particular area of science or technology.  The concept of smart specialization recommends regions or states to shape the content and design of their innovation strategy in a way that maximizes the impact of regional policy together with other EU policies. It is based on the Commission Communication entitled "The Contribution of Regional Policy to Smart Growth" in the Europe 2020 Strategy of October 2010, in which these strategies are referred to as Smart Specialization Strategies. Basically, these strategies address the needs and potentials of both regions (South Bohemia,Upper Austria). The focus is mainly on existing infrastructure (R&D&I, production and service sectors), special trends derived from the economic profiles of the regions and technological developments (so-called megatrends), which are derived both from the innovation profiles of the given regions, but also from current economic challenges.  Thanks to the harmonized RIS3 methodology, it is possible to effectively analyze both strategic documents, build a cross-border network of key actors and identify common needs, complementary capacities and specific actions and activities. A unique opportunity is also offered by the approaching new funding period, aimed at preparing potential projects and cooperation potentials of the network members. On both sides of the border this project is approached by partners who are directly responsible for the successful implementation of the mentioned regional strategies, at the same time both partners are companies with sphere of activity in their whole region. The main goal of the project is to build an effective cross-border network of stakeholders based on a detailed comparative analysis of the S3 strategies of the South Bohemia region and the Upper Austria region, which will prepare a set of measures for further development of cooperation in key areas for the two regions.

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