Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2025-12-17

Description

Description (EN):

COMMON CHALLENGE: Main problem is related to innovation capacity in remote areas. In partner regions those areas are facing declining employment opportunities in traditional industries as a result of structural change. This emphasises the need to take steps to stimulate economic activity with employment-generating potential for regions that are facing difficulties in maintaining a critical mass of facilities to support economic development. Analysis shows that FOOD SECTOR together with other value chain-related sectors represent one of the most important, potential field to leverage improvement of the socio-economic situation in remote areas. MAIN OBJECTIVE: Improving entrepreneurial competences and skills in remote areas through FOOD innovation potentials & answers to current global challenges. OUTPUTS & RESULTS: 1) Joint transnational food mentor scheme; 2) Cross-sector assessment tools (digital, energy and circular readiness) and joint knowledge base mentor e-platform with all relevant data access, to support mentorship services on a transnational level. APPROACH: The project consists of 11 carefully selected competent partners who are according to their role in the project divided into 2 groups. KNOWLEDGE PARTNERS covering areas of digital technologies, energy efficiency and raw material circularity; REGIONAL PARTNERS whose role is implementation of actions on a regional level. INNOVATIVE CHARACTER: Integrated cross-sectoral experts approach (digital technologies, energy & material reuse), mobility of transnational pool of experts coming from different EU regions, focus oriented program to food and drink related SMEs, sustainable business model; no similar transnational program existing. TRANSNATIONAL ADDED VALUE: International pool of cross-sector mobile experts, transnational partner network helping local SMEs to become more innovative & competitive, better conditions for business expansion, positive impacts on employment, brain drain stopped, tendencies to in-migration.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The RISE project’s first six months were marked by significant achievements in establishing foundational tools, engaging partners, and launching key initiatives. PTP’s intensive efforts ensured a robust start, laying a strong foundation for ongoing activities. The RISE project began in January 2024. The initial months were dedicated to setting up essential project management tools. PTP developed a Content Monitoring Tool, which included a detailed work plan, deliverable tracking, a TO DO Action Log, a contact list of project partners (PP), and bank account data. Additionally, a Financial Monitoring Tool and Risk Assessment Tool were created to ensure comprehensive oversight of the project’s progress and potential risks. These tools were crucial for the submission of the first deliverable, contributed by all partners, D1.1.1: Guideline report on project quality and process monitoring tools. An internal repository was also established on MS Teams to facilitate seamless collaboration and document sharing among partners. In February, PTP prepared the Partnership Agreement for review and signing by all partners, laying the groundwork for formalized collaboration. The first partner kick-off meeting took place online on February 7, introducing partners to the project objectives and fostering internal communication and consensus-building. The LP held one-on-one meetings with responsible task leaders to initiate the development of the tasks A1.2: Regional business support ecosystem analysis – STRIA, A1.3: Regional analysis of small food & drink provider’s needs – CCIS RS and A1.4: Setting transnational network of mentors - CEM. Notably, PTP in collaboration with all partners also focused on preparing templates for communication activities. STRIA with support of LP-PTP prepared the methodology and 5 questionnaires for conducting A1.2: Regional business support ecosystem analysis (Q1: Data collection from digital or green technology providers; Q2: Data collection from testing, simulation and demonstration centres. Q3&4: Data collection from digital and green technology experts and Q5: Data collection on synergetic projects, grants and events. All partners also contributed with suggestions for improvement. Following, CCIS with support of LP prepared a methodology guidelines and a questionnaire for data collection on solution seekers needs. Partners held an email correspondence and jointly worked on both documents in live version on MS Teams. The partnership decided to join an Open Call for companies, already undergoing under CI-HUB project and started by LP-PTP, marking a significant step towards engaging external stakeholders. On April 9, the kick-off dissemination event was organized in Maribor, Slovenia. This event brought together 45 participants from the CI-HUB and RISE projects to discuss digital transformation, financing opportunities, and sustainable transition, fostering collaboration and exploration of new opportunities. In May, the focus shifted to the launch of the B2GreenHub Open Call, where we distinct between projects and – only manufacturing companies in Food & Drink sector will be assigned to RISE project and to no other project. PTP meticulously prepared and launched this initiative, engaging companies seeking support in their green transition. An online partner meeting was held on May 24 to explain the Open Call, partners' responsibilities, and dissemination activities. PTP created a joint Media Kit under CI-HUB project, which RISE partners can use due to joint trademark B2GreenHub, including logos, banners, social media graphics, flyers, and posters, was prepared to support the dissemination of the Open Call. Additionally, reporting logs were created to document and report all dissemination activities. Company interviews began on May 26, coinciding with the launch of the Open Call. Throughout the first six months, PTP was actively engaged in communication and dissemination activities to promote the project and its initiatives. Content for the official project website was created, and three news publications were posted. Social media posts were regularly created and shared on PTP's Facebook and LinkedIn pages, maintaining a strong online presence. The LP also established and managed the B2GreenHub LinkedIn and Facebook pages, regularly posting content about the Open Call. PTP created 22 posts and reviewed six partner contributions, resulting in 28 posts disseminated on B2GreenHub and PTP social media accounts. The RISE project’s first six months were marked by significant achievements in establishing foundational tools, engaging partners, and launching core initiatives. The project officially began in January 2024, and the initial phase focused on setting up essential project management tools. PTP played a central role by developing a Content Monitoring Tool, Financial Monitoring Tool and a Risk Assessment Tool to provide comprehensive oversight of project progress and potential risks. These tools supported the submission of the first deliverable, D1.1.1. To facilitate ongoing collaboration, an internal repository was established on MS Teams. In February, PTP prepared the Partnership Agreement, which was reviewed and signed by all partners. The first online kick-off meeting was held in February, introducing partners to project objectives and encouraging internal communication. PTP also organized individual meetings with task leaders to initiate activities A1.2, A1.3, and A1.4. In parallel, communication templates were drafted with support from all partners. STRIA, with assistance from PTP, developed the methodology and five questionnaires for A1.2 data collection from green/digital technology providers, simulation centres, domain experts, and synergetic initiatives. Partners contributed suggestions and improvements. Similarly, CCIS, with LP support, created methodology guidelines and a questionnaire for collecting data on SME needs (A1.3). On April 9, a joint CI-HUB and RISE dissemination event took place in Maribor, Slovenia, attended by 45 participants. The event focused on digital transformation, financing opportunities, and sustainable transition, fostering collaboration between stakeholders. In May 2024, the focus shifted to launching the B2GreenHub Open Call (already ongoing under the CI-HUB project). PTP led the preparation and launch of this initiative, targeting companies undergoing green transition. To support outreach, PTP designed a shared Media Kit under the CI-HUB project, which RISE partners used due to the joint trademark B2GreenHub. The kit included logos, banners, social media graphics, flyers, and posters. Additionally, reporting logs were created to track all dissemination activities. Company interviews began in May 2024 as well (A1.3). Throughout RP1, PTP was active in communication and outreach. Content for the official project website was developed, and three news articles were published. Regular social media content was posted on PTP’s LinkedIn and Facebook pages. The B2GreenHub social media channels, managed by the LP, also published updates, resulting in 28 posts (22 created by PTP and 6 reviewed partner submissions). During the second reporting period (RP2), significant progress was achieved as well with strong focus on mitigating any existing delays in implementation. One major achievement was the successful completion of A1.2. PTP, with activity coordinator STRIA and other partners, conducted the Regional Business Support Ecosystem Analysis based on the mapping. Engagement with stakeholders and academic experts through the mapping initiative contributed to deliverable D1.2.1, which provides a framework for targeted support. Simultaneously, A1.3 led by CCIS mapped the needs of regional small food and beverage providers, culminating in D1.3.1. Another key milestone was the establishment of the competition of A1.4 Setting a transnational network of mentors, coordinated by CEM. Activities included defining mentor roles and competencies, identifying regional mentors, and compiling results into deliverable D1.4.1. A collaborative workshop held in Montenegro further strengthened the network’s operational framework. Development of the Mentoring Support Toolkit (A1.5) progressed with structured working groups focusing on tool identification and usability performance criteria evaluation, and best-practice collection. This ensures the toolkit’s relevance and applicability to target groups. The B2GreenHub e-knowledge base also advanced significantly, with technical architecture and content aggregation activities underway. This digital resource is essential for knowledge dissemination and stakeholder support. However, due to a high workload on the Lead Partner, a minor delay of 2-3 months in finalizing A1.5 is expected. Communication and dissemination remained vital throughout RP2. The B2GreenHub Open Call campaign received strong support, with PPs also creating posts which promoted regional innovative solutions, expertise, and available tools. Two additional news articles were published on the webpage, further increasing visibility and engagement with external stakeholders. In summary, the first six months of the RISE project established a solid collaborative foundation, while RP2 brought significant advances in analytical work, knowledge sharing, and community-building. These lay the groundwork for more targeted capacity-building actions in the next phases. Since its launch in January 2024, the RISE project has demonstrated steady progress and strong internal coordination, successfully completing its initial strategic phase and advancing into implementation and piloting activities. The partnership has built a robust organisational, methodological, and digital foundation, achieving key milestones across all specific objectives and maintaining high engagement among all partners and stakeholders. During the first reporting period, the focus was on establishing the project’s operational structure and essential management tools. The Lead Partner (PTP) developed a comprehensive set of instruments — including the Content Monitoring Tool, Financial Monitoring Tool, and Risk Assessment Tool — ensuring effective oversight of implementation, finances, and risks. Deliverable D1.1.1 (“Guideline report on project quality and process monitoring tools”) was successfully submitted, marking the project’s first major output. A shared internal workspace on MS Teams was created to support collaboration and document exchange. In parallel, groundwork was laid for analytical and mapping activities under Specific Objective 1 (SO1). STRIA, with PTP’s support, developed methodologies and questionnaires for Activity A1.2 (“Regional Business Support Ecosystem Analysis”), while CCIS prepared tools for Activity A1.3 (“Analysis of Small Food & Drink Providers’ Needs”). A1.4 (“Transnational Network of Mentors”) was initiated by CEM, defining mentor profiles and coordination mechanisms. A joint online kick-off meeting in February 2024 introduced partners to project goals, followed by an onsite dissemination event in Maribor in April, which attracted 45 participants and strengthened synergies with the CI-Hub initiative. The second reporting period was characterised by substantial analytical and developmental progress. Activities A1.2 and A1.3 were completed, resulting in Deliverables D1.2.1 and D1.3.1, which together provided a detailed mapping of regional ecosystems and SME needs in the food and drink sector. CEM coordinated the establishment of the Transnational Mentor Network (D1.4.1), enhancing cross-border cooperation among experts. In parallel, work advanced on Activity A1.5 (“Mentoring Support Toolkit”), where thematic working groups identified relevant tools, evaluated usability criteria, and collected best practices. Although a minor delay of two to three months occurred due to the high workload on the Lead Partner, all milestones remained on track. The partnership also launched the B2GreenHub Open Call, targeting SMEs undergoing green and digital transition. Supported by a common Media Kit and coordinated dissemination actions, this campaign strengthened project visibility and stakeholder engagement. Two additional news articles and numerous social media updates were published to support communication objectives. During the third reporting period, the partnership finalised SO1 and transitioned into SO2, marking the start of full-scale implementation and piloting. The Mentoring Support Toolkit (A1.5) was completed through deliverables D1.5.1, D1.5.2, and D1.5.3. External experts supported the development of the Excel-based assessment tools, which were validated by working groups and integrated into the DATAMENSIO digital platform. Six partners participated in platform testing, confirming functionality and usability. A major milestone was the Training Academy held in Šibenik, Croatia (May 2025), under Activity A2.1. Led by AFC, this event brought together all partners to finalise training curricula and modules, resulting in deliverables D2.1.1 and D2.1.2. Meanwhile, under Activity A2.2, RPIC-RV coordinated the design of the promotional campaign methodology, which partners jointly implemented through four targeted dissemination posts across all regions. These efforts directly supported the launch of pilot actions (A2.3), initiated in June 2025 under the coordination of DIH ONEX. Parallel to the pilot phase, Activity A2.4 (“Impact Assessment Framework”) was initiated under RAPIV’s leadership. Through collaborative workshops, the partnership finalised the methodology and questionnaire for assessing project outcomes and regional impact. Throughout RP3, communication activities remained dynamic, with partners actively promoting pilot actions, disseminating project results, and engaging SMEs and mentors across Central and South-Eastern Europe. Overall, the RISE project has successfully completed all planned analytical, methodological, and preparatory tasks under SO1 and has transitioned seamlessly into SO2 implementation.

Project outputs: Pilot testing of food mentor supporting toolbox(EN)
Circular transition toolbox(EN)
Pilot testing of cross-sector mentoring services and proccess of transnational mentor's cooperation(EN)
Validated and developed transnational cross-sector mentoring program(EN)
Transnational strategy for deploying Cross-sector mentoring program(EN)
Regional Action Plans (EN)
Transnational network of mentor program partners(EN)

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising Rural and peripheral development Knowledge and technology transfer

Priority: (VI-B_D_1) Priority 1 - A more competitive and smarter Danube Region

Priority specific objective: RSO1.4. Developing skills for smart specialisation, industrial transition and entrepreneurship

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 023 Skills development for smart specialisation, industrial transition, entrepreneurship and adaptability of enterprises to change

Partners (12)

Lead Partner: Pomurski tehnološki park d.o.o.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI23632763

Address: Plese, 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.p-tech.si

Total budget: EUR 302 921.24

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 242 336.99

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 60 584.25

Lead Partner: Pomurski tehnološki park d.o.o.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI23632763

Address: Plese, 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.p-tech.si

Total budget: EUR 302 921.24

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 242 336.99

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 60 584.25

UDRUGA ZA RAZVOJ SURADNJE NA UNAPRJEDENJU TEHNOLOGIJE U PREHRAMBENOM SEKTORU

Name: UDRUGA ZA RAZVOJ SURADNJE NA UNAPRJEDENJU TEHNOLOGIJE U PREHRAMBENOM SEKTORU

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 10295005578

Address: Put Gimnazije , 22000 Šibenik, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://agrifoodcroatia.com/

Total budget: EUR 175 417.24

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 140 333.79

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 083.45

Contractors:

Name: Adria Mice d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 84967878235
Name: Hefest 23 d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 78668897492
Name: West Vision d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3356482489
Name: Piscium d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 99957564131
Name: Amicus Sibenik d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 5599802465
Name: Sibenska biskupija
VAT registration or tax identification number: 46115555394

Digitalni inovacioni hab ONEX

Name: Digitalni inovacioni hab ONEX

Department: ICT cluster

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4404912100004

Address: Akademika Jovana Surutke, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Department address: Akademika Jovana Surutke, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://onex.digital/

Total budget: EUR 132 129.71

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 105 703.76

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 425.95

Universitatea de Științe Agricole și Medicină Veterinară Cluj-Napoca

Name: Universitatea de Științe Agricole și Medicină Veterinară Cluj-Napoca

Department: Food Science

Partner’s ID if not PIC: RO21616390

Address: Calea Manastur , 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Department address: Calea Manastur , 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.usamvcluj.ro

Total budget: EUR 156 500.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 125 200.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 31 300.10

Hochschule Pforzheim

Name: Hochschule Pforzheim

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE811470663

Address: Tiefenbronner Str. , 75165 Pforzheim, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.hs-pforzheim.de/

Total budget: EUR 299 471.21

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 239 576.96

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 59 894.25

Регионална агенция за предприемачество и иновации - Варна

Name: Регионална агенция за предприемачество и иновации - Варна

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG103792060

Address: Prof. Assen Zlatarov Str., office 3, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.rapiv.org

Total budget: EUR 135 408.72

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 108 326.97

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 081.75

Privredna komora Srbije

Name: Privredna komora Srbije

Department: Project Management Center

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 100296837

Address: Resavska, 11000 Beograd, Serbia

Department address: Resavska, 11000 Beograd, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.pks.rs

Total budget: EUR 133 017.04

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 106 413.63

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 603.41

Contractors:

Name: Halo ketering d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 108486080
Name: Dva Jelena d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 107709799
Name: DCG d.o.o. Beograd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 103753781

Privredna komora Crne Gore

Name: Privredna komora Crne Gore

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02019574

Address: Novaka Miloševa, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.komora.me

Total budget: EUR 108 450.34

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 86 760.27

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 690.07

Regionálne poradenské a informačné centrum Rožňava

Name: Regionálne poradenské a informačné centrum Rožňava

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK2021593970

Address: Zakarpatská , 04801 Rožňava, Slovakia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://rpicrv.sk/en

Total budget: EUR 142 150.44

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 113 720.35

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 430.09

Wirtschaftsagentur Burgenland GmbH

Name: Wirtschaftsagentur Burgenland GmbH

Department: Regional Development - association Natur Parks Burgenland

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU62149124

Address: Marktstrasse , 7000 Eisenstadt, Austria

Department address: Schlossplatz , 7423 Bad Tatzmannsdorf, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://wirtschaftsagentur-burgenland.at

Total budget: EUR 287 734.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 230 187.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 57 546.90

Contractors:

Name: Mind Consult & Research GmbH
VAT registration or tax identification number: ATU53036307

DDRIÜ Dél-Dunántúli Regionális Innovációs Ügynökség Nonprofit Kft.

Name: DDRIÜ Dél-Dunántúli Regionális Innovációs Ügynökség Nonprofit Kft.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 14194799-2-02

Address: Mária utca, 7621 Pécs, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://ddriu.hu/en/home/

Total budget: EUR 188 952.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 151 161.76

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 37 790.44

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Digital innovation hub Agrifood Croatia

Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Partners and Projects info

Digital Innovation Hub ONEX

Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Partners and Projects info

University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca

Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Partners and Projects info

Pforzheim University

Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Partners and Projects info

Regional Agency for Entrepreneurship and Innovations - Varna

Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Partners and Projects info

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia

Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Partners and Projects info

CHAMBER OF ECONOMY OF MONTENEGRO

Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Partners and Projects info

The Roznava Regional Advisory and Information Centre

Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Partners and Projects info

Burgenland Business Agency

Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Partners and Projects info

South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency

Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Partners and Projects info

Pomurje Technology Park

Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Partners and Projects info

Pomurski tehnološki park d.o.o.

Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Project acronym: RISE

Project ID: DRP0200476

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Project: Smart Factory Hub (SFH)
Program: Interreg Danube
The main objective was to improve framework conditions for innovation in the area of smart manufacturing, based on RIS3 centered model. Project was therefore contribute to a higher degree of territorial integration of the very heterogeneous Danube region by the development and implementation of strategic frameworks and shared perspectives in the area of novel solutions in manufacturing industry.
(EN) | Synergies: In previous financial perspective an interdisciplinary and quadruple helix approach with testing Smart Factory Model was developed and demonstrated with “bottom up” and “top down” pilots. With developed framework, tools and services project SFH is used as follow up activity focused on food sector SMEs in rural areas and prioritised cross-sectors (digitalisation, energy efficiency and circularity), which shows strong complementarities with the broader EUSDR. (EN), Project: SCALEUP4 EUROPE
Program: H2020
The project’s objective is the establishment of four cross-border operating “Scaleup Labs” based on the ”living lab” concept to support qualifying start-up & scale-up SMEs in achieving “Proof of Scalability”. Labs are focused on 4 topics (Smart region, Health, Agile Manufacturing, AgTech).
(EN) | Synergy: Some scaleups developed technology solutions which are supporting circular transformation. Those technology providers (and solutions) will be connected with interested SMEs and joint single database of solution providers will be upgraded for common project use. (EN), Project: DIH2
Program: H2020
DIH2 is a network of 26 European Digital innovation hubs where SME support services based on robotic solutions are offered to manufacturing companies in their digital transition.
(EN) | Synergy: Usable technology transfer process will be adapted into the mentor program and some technology solution providers are appropriate for digital and circular improvements in food sector. All e-DIHs will therefore be connected with interested SMEs in circular accelerator program to offer appropriate digital solutions and DIH funding possibilities for technology uptake. (EN), Project: START CIRCLES – Supporting Transition from linear to circular value chains
Program: Interreg SIAT
The main goal of the project is to increase the innovation of SMEs in the field of sustainable development and efficient use of resources. The main result of the project is the sustainable inclusion of SMEs in cross-border innovation networks and value chains, which provide support for the circular economy and thereby increase the innovation of companies and the creation of new products/materials. START CIRCLES was designed from the point of view of SMEs and R&D organizations and their needs, in order to be able to accompany SMEs from the start of innovation cooperation to the introduction of a new product on the market and offer new and sustainably oriented support services for individual phases.
(EN) | Synergies: The following approaches can be upgraded into the RISE project: documenting and using R&D knowledge to promote the circular economy; new forms of cooperation, especially the formation of value chains that support the circular economy (education of facilitators); monitoring of SMEs in cooperation with RD; support in the introduction of new products based on new business models; (EN), Project: AI REGIO, Digitising and transforming EU industry and services, ID: 952003
Program: H2020
The AI REGIO project aims at filling the major gaps currently preventing AI-driven DIHs from implementing fully effective digital transformation pathways for their Manufacturing SMEs.
(EN) | Synergy: Available artificial intelligence technology solutions could be used to support circular transformation support. Solution providers will be invited to join mentorship program. (EN), Project: SMARTER AOE PROJECT
Program: Cosme
Project is complementing the results of on-going EU projects (the AoE Bike Trail and the Amazing AoE), to improve socio-economic situation of the Amazon of Europe (AoE), tourism destination formed around first world UNESCO 5-country Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube. Project is covering the Danube area (SI, HU, HR, RS, BG, RO, MNG) with the focus to support sustainable food & tourism service-related offer. (EN) | Synergy: Project has available direct financial incentives for rural SMEs and support is available to employ digital solutions. This financial incentives could additionally leverage cross-sector applications in RISE project. (EN), Project: CIRCE2020
Program: Central Europe
CIRCE2020 is focused on fostering the spread of circular economy and industrial symbiosis business models in a selected industrial park where valuable products from waste (plastic and tires) were produced. Circular Regions realises the mapping of the companies’ circular economy situation and potential of cross-border cooperation to foster the circular transition. (EN) | Synergy: Available outputs could be used in mentoring program and could be part of the co-creation process of generating and piloting smart and green manufacturing new value chains. (EN), Project: AI REGIO
Program: Horizon 2020
Project is digitising and transforming EU industry and services. (EN) | Synergy:Demonstrations results and co-creation process in both projects could be very useful to connect solution providers with piloted rural SMEs. (EN), Project: FASTEN
Program: Horizon 2020
Project is focused on flexible and Autonomous Manufacturing Systems for Custom-Designed Products. (EN) | Synergy:Demonstrations results and co-creation process in both projects could be very useful to connect solution providers with piloted rural SMEs. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 062 153.14

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 649 722.48

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Guideline report on project quality & process monitoring tools
Comprehensive analysis report on available business support ecosystem
SMEs critical factor diagnosis report
Report on identified regional mentors and their knowledge capacity
DIGITAL TRANSITION READINESS ASSESSMENT TOOL
ENERGY OPTIMISATION READINESS TOOL
MATERIAL CIRCULARITY READINESS TOLL
REAL-LIFE EXAMPLES AND BEST PRACTICES
E-KNOWLEDGE BASE PLATFORM
Training report with curricula and prepared training material for mentorship program implementation
Guidelines report regarding the use of prepared tools for regional mentors
Regional reports on promotional campaign and identified SMEs for pilot testing
Regional reports on promo campaign and identified cross sector solution providers for pilot testing
Joint report on implemented mentoring services
Impact assessment questionnaire and KPI definition
Validation report on achieved results
Peer review questionnaire
Transnational strategy for deploying cross-sector mentoring program services
Regional action plans
Handbook of good practices
Transnational Learning Camp Report
Dissemination video
Capitalisation plan

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The project supports the EUSDR's goals of promoting innovation, sustainable growth, and environmental protection in the Danube Region. By facilitating the adoption of digital, energy efficient and circular practices, project will help create a more competitive and sustainable Danube macro-regional economy while preserving the environment and natural resources.
Project objectives are congruent with the Priority Area 8 “Competitiveness of Enterprises« where project will contribute to improved competitiveness of less developed areas, especially with the following actions:
(a) To improve framework conditions for rural SMEs working in food sector
(b) To foster cooperation and exchange of knowledge between food production SMEs, academia and the public sector in areas of Danube Region competences.
The project's is also focused on trans-regional cooperation and knowledge sharing what aligns with the EUSDR's emphasis on transnational collaboration.
EuropeanGreenDeal The objectives of the project are congruent with the Research and Innovation for the European Green Deal action, more specifically with the aim to accelerate and navigate the necessary digital and circular transitions. Project also follows an approach to innovation partnerships mentioned in the EU Green Deal and pursue the same goals: Promoting the circular economy, fresh air, clean water, using cleaner energy, more sustainable, recyclable and reusable products, green jobs suitable for the future, reduced the environmental and climate footprint of the production system, sustainable supply chains, reduce air, water and soil pollution and improved waste management.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The Territorial Agenda 2030 emphasises the importance of a place-based approach to sustainable development and seeks to reduce disparities between regions. By addressing the specific needs and challenges of the Danube region, project supports the implementation of the Territorial Agenda 2030. The project's focus on developing and implementing joint transnational mentorship models with cross-sector sustainable best practices contributes to creating more resilient and competitive regional economies while preserving the environment.
Other The Digital Agenda for Europe aims to foster digital innovation and ensure that the benefits of the digital transformation are fully harnessed. Project contributes to this strategy by integrating mentorship program into existing business support organisations (Digital Innovation Hubs, other innovation centres, etc) and promoting the use of digital technologies, energy efficiency and circularity. This approach will help businesses in the Danube region harness the potential of digital technologies to support their transition to a circular economy.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO84) Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects : 1.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

ISI - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders, Measurement unit: No. of organisations

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-17

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

138 / 138 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 413 / 1 413 (100%)

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Rising competences & skills in less developed Danube regions through food sector cross-topic innovations

Description

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Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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