Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2025-12-17

Description

Description (EN):

The project targets traditional industrial regions in transition with a low innovation performance and weak innovation infrastructure, either in absolute terms or in comparison to e.g., more innovative urban or capital regions. Typical challenges are: - Structural change due to accelerated and intensified transformation processes. - Below average innovation and risk culture in the economy. - Shortage of skilled workers. In those regions, innovation support and technology transfer approaches are also often lagging behind, building on conventional, still linear as well as top-down technology-based approaches. OVERALL OBJECTIVE AND EXPECTED CHANGE IaaS 4 DR aims to create in the target regions the conditions to be able to DELIVER LOCALLY DURABLY IMPROVED AND INTEGRATED INNOVATION SUPPORT SERVICES – I.E. DIFFERENT SERVICE PROVIDERS COMBINING SEAMLESSLY THEIR SERVICES - WHICH ARE GOING SIGNIFICANTLY BEYOND WHAT THEY CAN DO BY BUILDING ON THEIR OWN LIMITED RESOURCES. This shall be achieved by combining: - Capacity building activities for the innovation professionals to increase the level of innovation support competence in each region. - Collaboration models among innovation support providers in the regions increasing the level of integration between innovation support services providers. - Mechanisms to reach out to additional, transnational expertise and setup flexible innovation support teams/consortia delivering advanced innovation support services ‘on demand’, making use of resources not permanently available in the regions. The ambition is to significantly leverage the capacity of business support organisations, innovation intermediaries and tech transfer organisations, to develop durably the regions’ innovation infrastructure and operational capacity. The specific objectives are derived from this ambition: SO1 - Building regional quadruple helix partnerships (IaaS nodes) for improving the regional governance and operational capacity to deliver comprehensive and integrated innovation support services. SO2 - Ensure knowledge transfer within the partnership and training of innovation support providers. Building up on local and transnational level a sustainable community of IaaS experts, ensuring availability of exerts beyond the project. SO3 - Demonstrate the potential of the project approach to foster innovation, technology transfer and industrial transition through transnational pilot activities. Scale-up and sustainability. INNOVATIVE APPROACH IaaS 4 DR will explore an innovative approach to improve capacities for delivering innovation support services. We call it Innovation as a Service (IaaS). It is inspired from the business concept of servitization of the economy and includes components such as outsourcing innovation management, access to expertise and infrastructures, accelerated innovation processes, continuous learning and improvement. A further novelty and challenge are to establish durable mechanisms enabling a flexible access to resources supporting projects on an agile, ‘on-demand' basis. MAIN OUPTUTS The following new solutions, which are also the main outputs of the project, will be developed. 1) Web-based blended learning platform, including toolbox and learning contents (IaaS 4 DR curriculum) developed and piloted within the project. Building on the project’s learning activities, a public version of a curated web-based learning platform will be launched at the end of the project. It will integrate the content generated in the project and onsite and online learning opportunities ensured by the partners and their stakeholders. The platform will be open for use and upload of content for any registered user. 2) Setup of a durable transnational community of innovation and industrial transformation support providers (organisations) and professionals (persons) for the Danube region Building on the definition of a professional charter for innovation support professionals and the promotion of the Iaas 4 DR academy among test users, a durable community shall be setup. It shall ensure the continuity of the access to expertise and infrastructures across the Danube Area. 3) Iaas 4 DR accelerator - Integrated innovation support delivery models (smart spaces and smart services) and advanced transnational collaboration models for innovation and industrial transfer support. Building on the results of the pilots, truly transnational initiatives and integrated IaaS offers bringing together the competence of multiple partners shall be taken up by project partners beyond the project. Those offers shall combine integrated smart spaces and smart services in the framework of a transnational IaaS acceleration programme. They will enable the partners to reach out durably in an agile and flexible manner to resources not permanently available in the regions. The project will deliver outputs, which can be integrated into the normal working practices of the target groups, thus with a high level of expected durability.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The project has shown significant progress during Period 1, meeting key milestones across thematic, management, and communication activities. Thematic Activities All thematic activities scheduled to commence in Period 1 were successfully initiated under the guidance of designated Activity Leaders, who have efficiently coordinated efforts across the project consortium. Four activities were fully implemented during this period, resulting in the completion of four deliverables and one significant output. Project Management At the outset of the project, essential structures and roles were established to ensure smooth project execution: - A Steering Committee (SCOM), as outlined in the Partnership Agreement. - Designated Activity Leaders. - The Project Core Team, consisting of the Lead Partner (LP) and Activity Leaders. The project held its first online meeting in February 2024, followed by the inaugural in-person meeting hosted by the LP in Kosice, Slovakia, in March 2024. Regular meetings of the Project Core Team have also been held to review ongoing activities and discuss future operational steps. Key management documents were developed, including: - The Project Management Plan, which details operational processes such as management structures, procedures, quality assurance, meeting schedules, and internal communication tools. - The Quality Management Plan, which outlines execution protocols, roles, responsibilities, tools, and strategies for project coordination, communication, conflict resolution, and quality assurance. - The Risk Management Plan, which identifies potential risks, assesses their probability and impact, and includes a comprehensive contingency strategy. The LP also provided the consortium with access to a shared cloud-based platform (MS Teams) to facilitate collaboration. Communication A strategic communication plan was developed at the beginning of the implementation period, defining the roles, responsibilities, and planned activities of consortium members. Key communication channels, including a project website, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube, were established. Additionally, a general promotional plan for the project was released, alongside an initial strategy for targeted communication activities related to the specific thematic activities planned for project implementation. The IaaS 4 DR project has made strong progress over its first two reporting periods, advancing toward its objective of enabling rural and industrial transition regions in the Danube to deliver more integrated, durable, and locally adapted innovation support services. Period 1: Laying the Foundation In the first period, the project successfully launched all planned thematic activities under the coordination of designated Activity Leaders, resulting in the completion of four deliverables and one key output. Effective project governance structures were established, including the Steering Committee, Project Core Team, and dedicated Activity Leads. The consortium held its kick-off meeting online in February 2024, followed by the first in-person meeting in Kosice in March 2024. Regular coordination meetings have supported collaboration and planning. To ensure high-quality execution, the consortium developed a suite of foundational documents: - Project Management Plan (operational procedures and roles), - Quality Management Plan (execution and assurance protocols), - Risk Management Plan (threat identification and contingency strategies). A shared MS Teams workspace was set up for consortium-wide collaboration. On the communication front, a strategic plan was launched alongside key outreach tools—website, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube channels—establishing the project's visibility and stakeholder engagement. A promotional and thematic communication plan was also delivered. Period 2: Building Capacity and Regional Momentum Building on this foundation, Period 2 marked a shift toward implementation, particularly under Strategic Objectives SO1 and SO2. SO1 – Establishing Regional IaaS Nodes Fully functional IaaS nodes were established in all partner regions, serving as local innovation hubs based on the quadruple helix model—connecting government, academia, industry, and civil society. These one-stop-shops tailor innovation support to regional needs and create lasting governance mechanisms for cooperation. Regional and transnational co-creation workshops (online in August and onsite in September 2024) were held to refine node concepts, prioritize service portfolios, and formalize collaboration through Memoranda of Understanding—deepening inter-institutional alignment and commitment. SO2 – Building Skills and Transnational Community A key achievement was the completion of the Harmonised Transnational Capacity Framework (D.2.1.1), defining the maturity levels and competencies needed for effective innovation support. This framework guided regional assessments (D.2.1.2), leading to the design of a modular training programme (D.2.1.3) to upskill innovation professionals and policymakers. The training, set to launch in 2025, covers both foundational and advanced topics—such as coaching, technology transfer, accelerator design, and living labs—ensuring long-term professional development and knowledge continuity across the Danube Region. The first peer-learning activity took place with a hybrid study visit to Pomurje, Slovenia (September 16, 2024), showcasing smart innovation spaces and real-life best practices in automation, startup support, and talent retention at VIRS and Pomurje Technology Park. SO3 – Laying the Groundwork for Pilots Although no SO3 deliverables were due yet, groundwork began for piloting integrated innovation services. A draft methodology was co-developed to guide the design and rollout of transnational pilots in the next phase, ensuring they align with local challenges and opportunities. Added-Value of Cooperation The project demonstrates how transnational collaboration strengthens local innovation systems through shared learning, harmonised frameworks, and co-designed tools. Each region benefits from mutual support and broader expertise than it could access alone, making the IaaS 4 DR approach both scalable and sustainable. Period 1 — Laying the foundation We set up strong governance and ways of working: a Steering Committee, a Project Core Team, and clear Activity Leads. The consortium held its online kick-off in February 2024 and met in person in Košice in March 2024. To ensure quality and consistency, we produced a Project Management Plan, a Quality Management Plan, and a Risk Management Plan, and opened a shared MS Teams workspace. On communication, we launched the strategy and core channels (website, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube) alongside a promotional/thematic plan. Under A1.3 (led by PP9 KARP), partners began preparing Innovation as a Service (IaaS) nodes—regional hubs that bring together government, academia, industry, and civil society (“quadruple helix”). As a prerequisite, A1.2 mapped stakeholders through local meetings and workshop planning. Workshops shifted from M6 (June 2024) to M7 (July 2024) due to scheduling needs; therefore, D1.3.1 (workshop description) moved to the Period 2 report. Four deliverables and one key output were completed in Period 1 overall. Period 2 — Building capacity and regional momentum SO1 – Establishing regional IaaS nodes. Fully functional IaaS nodes were created in all partner regions, acting as one-stop hubs tailored to local needs. Regional workshops were followed by two transnational co-creation workshops (online, 13 Aug 2024; onsite, 17 Sep 2024, Murska Sobota). Regions refined node concepts, prioritised service portfolios, and formalised cooperation through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)—locking in roles, responsibilities, and shared goals. SO2 – Skills and transnational community. We delivered the Harmonised Transnational Capacity Framework (D.2.1.1), ran regional capacity assessments (D.2.1.2), and designed a modular training programme (D.2.1.3) for innovation professionals and policy makers. The first peer-learning event was a hybrid study visit to Pomurje, Slovenia (16 Sep 2024), showcasing smart spaces and real-life practices in automation, startup support, and talent retention. SO3 – Groundwork for pilots. While no SO3 deliverables were due, partners co-developed a draft methodology to guide the design and rollout of transnational pilots in the next phase. Period 3 — Activation, training, and pilot readiness SO2 – Knowledge transfer and upskilling. The consortium delivered the first full round of capacity-building: nine core trainings (from consulting and startup support to HR and innovation management) plus the first advanced training on technology transfer, enabling peer-to-peer exchange across countries. Study visits continued, including a large joint visit to Szombathely, Hungary, where 29 participants explored digital hubs, robotics, and smart manufacturing facilities. We launched the blended learning platform in a testing environment to host recordings, study-visit materials, and toolbox resources. A major milestone was the adoption of a Common Professional Charter, defining shared values and standards and laying the basis for a long-term IaaS 4 DR Academy. SO3 – Pilot design complete. Partners finalised nine transnational pilot schemes across three areas—smart spaces, smart services, and advanced collaboration models—with detailed workplans, objectives, and timelines validated. Promotion plans were prepared, and a common evaluation methodology was drafted to ensure systematic monitoring once pilots start. Pilot launches were rescheduled to Period 4, but the groundwork is complete and teams are implementation-ready.

Project outputs: Standardised and harmonised innovation support services on transnational level on the basis of a common framework – Transnational toolbox and service portfolio for innovation support.(EN)
Piloting capacity building activities for innovation support providers and further regional stakeholders through peer-based learning in blended training sessions, study visits and web-based platform.(EN)
Web-based blended learning platform, including toolbox and learning contents (IaaS 4 DR curriculum) developed and piloted within the project.(EN)
Testing the setup of a transnational community of innovation and industrial transformation support providers (organisations) and professionals (persons) for the Danube region(EN)
Setup of a durable transnational community of innovation and industrial transformation support providers (organisations) and professionals (persons) for the Danube region(EN)
Pilot implementation of IaaS services and models focussing on smart integrated spaces (3 pilots), smart integrated services (3 pilots) and advanced transnational collaboration models (3 pilots)(EN)
Iaas 4 DR accelerator - Integrated innovation support delivery models (smart spaces and smart services) and advanced transnational collaboration models for innovation and industrial transfer support.(EN)
Iaas 4 DR accelerator - Scale-up and sustainability plan for the results of the pilot actions on the regional and transnational level.(EN)

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising ICT and digital society Education and training

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

Priority specific objective: RSO1.1. Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

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: 010 Research and innovation activities in SMEs, including networking

Partners (16)

Lead Partner: Technická univerzita v Košiciach

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK2020486710

Address: Letna , 04200 Kosice , Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.tuke.sk

Total budget: EUR 261 860.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 209 488.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 52 372.00

Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH

Name: Austria Wirtschaftsservice Gesellschaft mbH

Department: Entrepreneurship / EU Coordination Unit

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU55681202

Address: Walcherstrasse , 1020 Vienna, Austria

Department address: Walcherstrasse , 1020 Vienna, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.aws.at

Total budget: EUR 202 175.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 161 740.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 40 435.00

Громадська Організація «ЦЕНТР ІННОВАЦІЙНИХ КОМПОЗИТНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ»

Name: Громадська Організація «ЦЕНТР ІННОВАЦІЙНИХ КОМПОЗИТНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ»

Partner’s ID if not PIC: n.a.

Address: Marshal Malynovsky, 49000 Dnipro, Ukraine

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Total budget: EUR 89 880.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 71 904.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 976.00

Asocijacija za demokratski prosperitet - Zid

Name: Asocijacija za demokratski prosperitet - Zid

Partner’s ID if not PIC: n.a.

Address: Serdara Jola Piletica , 81 000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.zid.org.me

Total budget: EUR 107 560.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 86 048.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 512.00

Contractors:

Name: Andrej Mihailovic
VAT registration or tax identification number: N/A

KDRIÜ Közép-dunántúli Regionális Innovációs Ügynökség Nonprofit Kft.

Name: KDRIÜ Közép-dunántúli Regionális Innovációs Ügynökség Nonprofit Kft.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU14198418

Address: Seregélyesi, 8000 Székesfehérvár, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.kdriu.hu

Total budget: EUR 186 725.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 149 380.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 37 345.00

Agentia pentru Dezvoltare Regionala Nord-Est

Name: Agentia pentru Dezvoltare Regionala Nord-Est

Department: Communication, Innovation and External Cooperation Department

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 28301003

Address: Locotenent Draghescu, 610125 Piatra Neamt, Romania

Department address: Locotenent Draghescu, 610125 Piatra Neamt, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.adrnordest.ro/en/homepage/

Total budget: EUR 143 260.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 114 608.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 652.00

Unitatea Executiva Pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii Dezvoltarii si Inovarii

Name: Unitatea Executiva Pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii Dezvoltarii si Inovarii

Department: International cooperation department

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 12354176

Address: Mendeleev, 010362 Bucharest, Romania

Department address: Mendeleev, 010362 Bucharest, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: https://uefiscdi.gov.ro/

Total budget: EUR 138 320.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 110 656.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 664.00

Razvojna agencija grada Prijedora „PREDA“

Name: Razvojna agencija grada Prijedora „PREDA“

Partner’s ID if not PIC: Tax NUMBER 4402665000007

Address: Aleja kozarskog odreda , 79101 Prijedor, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.predaprijedor.com

Total budget: EUR 96 560.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 77 248.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 312.00

Karlovarská agentura rozvoje podnikání

Name: Karlovarská agentura rozvoje podnikání

Partner’s ID if not PIC: CZ72053666

Address: Zavodni, 36018 Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.karp-kv.cz/

Total budget: EUR 150 440.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 120 352.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 088.00

Fachhochschule Vorarlberg GmbH

Name: Fachhochschule Vorarlberg GmbH

Department: Research Centre Business Informatics

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU38076103

Address: Hochschulstraße, 6850 Dornbirn, Austria

Department address: Hochschulstraße, 6850 Dornbirn, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.fhv.at

Total budget: EUR 208 805.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 167 044.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 761.00

TERA TEHNOPOLIS d.o.o.

Name: TERA TEHNOPOLIS d.o.o.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR39077073015

Address: Trg Ljudevita Gaja, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.tera.hr

Total budget: EUR 143 260.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 114 608.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 652.00

Pannon Gazdasági Hálózat Egyesület

Name: Pannon Gazdasági Hálózat Egyesület

Department: PBN Szombathely

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU18984303

Address: Gesztenyefa u., 9027 Gyor, Hungary

Department address: Zanati ut , 9700 9700 Szombathely, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.pbn.hu

Total budget: EUR 191 100.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 152 880.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 220.00

Pomurski tehnološki park d.o.o.

Name: 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 205 250.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 164 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 050.00

Atrineo AG

Name: Atrineo AG

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE294547773

Address: Kaiserstraße, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.atrineo.com

Total budget: EUR 234 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 187 840.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 46 960.00

Technologiezentrum Horb GmbH & Co. KG

Name: Technologiezentrum Horb GmbH & Co. KG

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE144254239

Address: Geschwister-Scholl-Str., 72160 Horb a. N., Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.innonet-kunststoff.de

Total budget: EUR 193 950.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 155 160.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 790.00

Inovačné centrum Košického Kraja

Name: Inovačné centrum Košického Kraja

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 54080576

Address: Strojárenská , 04266 Košice, Slovakia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.ickk.sk

Total budget: EUR 166 725.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 133 380.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 345.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Austria Business Service

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

INNOVATIVE COMPOSITE TECHNOLOGIES CENTER

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Association for Democratic Prosperity - Zid

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Central Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency Nonprofit Ltd.

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

North-East Regional Development Agency

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Development agency of the City of Prijedor “PREDA”

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Karlovarská agentura rozvoje podnikání

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

TERA TEHNOPOLIS Ltd.

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Pannon Gazdasági Hálózat Egyesület

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Pomurski tehnološki park d.o.o.

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Atrineo

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Technologiezentrum Horb GmbH & Co. KG

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Regional Innovation Center of Kosice Region

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Partners and Projects info

Technická univerzita v Košiciach

Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

Project acronym: IaaS 4 DR

Project ID: DRP0200211

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

RUN-EU University Network
(EN) | RUN-EU is an established network of seven like-minded and regionally focused HEIs committed to societal transformation in our regions in the context of both new and emerging regional and global challenges but in particular sustainable regional development. To achieve this collective mission, the network focuses on the delivery of collaborative, future and advanced skills-based teaching, learning, research and engagement activities across the network. FHV is partner. The members of the network shall be involved for the development of transnational initiatives, as well as the professional community. (EN), Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) West - Austria National Funding (EN) | For the digital transformation in Western Austria: Easy access for SMEs in Western Austria to the know-how and infrastructure of universities & research institutions and promotion of networking.
FHV is a partner and will involve the DIH in the co-creation process for pilots. (EN), DIH TECHNICOM (EN) | The DIH TECHNICOM (to be evolved to EDIH CASSOVIUM) is the Regional Industrial DIH at TUKE established within H2020 MIDIH project to support digital transformation processes guarantee the corresponding concepts of the Industry 5.0 strategy in production processes. The DIH shall be involved in pilots (EN), IZWW - Innovation Centre Science & Economy Northern Black Forest (Germany) ERDF Baden-- Wurttemberg (EN) | The goal of the planned IZWW (to be created 2022 by the AP WFG and the LP HSPF) lighthouse project is the sustainable and long-term establishment of an in-dependent, non-university research and technology transfer centre in the Northern Black Forest. This is intended to create an attractive platform for the initiation and implementation of inter- and transdisciplinary applied and business-related research, development and innovation projects in the area of future technologies in the region - primarily for harnessing the potential of digitalisation for sustainability and for the sustainable design of digitalisation, as well as for the promotion of innovations for more resource efficiency, circular economy and climate protection.
The IZWW shall be at the core of the pilots in Northern Black Forest.
(EN), Digital Black Forest (EN) | The initiative is addressing the question of how the infrastructural challenges of rural areas can be met with the opportunities of digitalisation: Be it in local supply, mobility or healthcare, for example. The overarching goal is to maintain the Northern Black Forest as an attractive residential and business location with a high quality of life. The focus is therefore on the local citizen.
Digital Black Forest brings together about 15 local authorities in the Northern Black Forest region.
The innovation approach analyses how the infrastructural challenges of rural areas can be met with the opportunities of innovation/digitalisation, for example in local supply, mobility or health care.
The municipalities involved through the ASP shall be involved in the co-creation of pilots. (EN), Digital Hub Nordschwarzwald (EN) | The Digital Hub Nordschwarzwald is one of ten regional Digital Hubs in Baden-Württemberg. With this, the region also wants to score points as an attractive innovation and business location in the time of digital transformation. With hub locations in Pforzheim, Nagold and Horb, we offer small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, as well as entrepreneurs and start-ups, customised services and support options.
The initiative brings together 11 regional partners, inclduing Pforzheim University (PP) and WFG (AP) as well as further municipalities and local authorities. They shall all be involved in the process of generating pilots.
(EN), Szombathely2030 programme (EN) | PBN is the catalysator of the Szombathely2030 programme, coordinating the meetings and preparing, implementing most of the projects decided by the team.
In order to support digital transformation and health sector, two strategic investments are implemented by PBN in 2021. A teaching and learning factory unit is built, (SMC SIF 400), with smart sensors, predictive functionalities, AR applications, etc. It is a modular basis for integration of all new and coming digitalization technology, enabling also one-lot-size production. It will be the most advanced in Central Europe (Austria included). The other development is a smart senior room, which is a well- equipped infrastructure, offering applications and development environment for socializing, health monitoring and safety features of the seniors.
Key relevant initiatives of Szombathely2030, and their link to Ecosystem call
Doctoral School
In order to support high end skills and gain some visibility in the relevant scientific world, PBN is developing a doctoral school, planned to be started in February 2022. It has two fundaments, the smart senior room and the ‘teaching and learning factory’. PBN is developing the school with Óbuda University from Budapest, where over 14.000 engineering students are studying.
Joint degrees, exchange of students and professors, shared thematic material developments would be exciting.
Test infrastructure
Connecting both the teaching and learning factory or/and the smart senior room with similar initiatives from Scotland (and ECHAlliance members) could definitely boost each other’s competency and service portfolio. PBN already successfully applied for connecting its TLF with some other players’ in the framework of EIT Innovation Action.
(EN), EIT Innovation communities (EN) | The partnership includes some organisations strongly involved with different Innovation Communities (KICs) supported by the European Institute for Innovation and Technology (EIT).
PP4 Atrineo has vast experience working on European projects with EIT KICs such as EIT Health, Innoenergy, EIT Food, EIT Urban Mobility, EIT Climate, EIT Digital and EIT Raw Materials
PP6PBN started to work as EIT Manufacturing Hub for Hungary since 2020, becoming part of the EIT Family.
PP16 aws is an active member of the new EIT Cultural and Creative Industries, leading the souht-east regional centre.
Via those partners, good practices, knowledge and dissemination channels will be activated in order to leverage the project activities. Especially, IaaS 4 DR will look for synergies with the different Regional Innovation Strategies of the EIT innovation communities.
(EN), RI2Integrate (Embeddedness of high quality research infrastructures in the Danube Region) (EN) | The main objective of RI2integrate project was to exploit the economic development potential and to better the integration of the operation of the EU’s excellent R&D Infrastructure (RI) investment projects through devising and implementing innovative tools for policy learning on macro-regional embeddedness in the Danube Region. The main result is the improved transfer of scientific results into the economy in the Danube Region, in line with the different needs of the participating countries by the improvement of cross-linkages among the R&D, SMEs, community and government.
https://www.interreg-danube.eu/approved-projects/ri2integrate (PP13 CTRIA)
The project was focussing more on policy learning aspects, which will be useful for preparing the scale up and take up plans for the IaaS 4 DR accelearator.
(EN), ACCELERATOR (Developing accelerators to provide better access to innovation finance for SMEs) (EN) | ACCELERATOR’S main objective was to enhance access to innovation finance through improving the institutional framework conditions and related policy instruments by developing the practical solution of acceleration services and influencing the concerned strategic framework at partner’s regions. As the main result, newly introduced acceleration programmes at less experienced partners and improved acceleration services at experienced partners have been implemented. The partnership actively integrated public bodies to channel joint policy recommendations on facilitating the spread of acceleration services.
https://www.interreg-danube.eu/approved-projects/accelerator (PP13 CTRIA)
While the project focussed on business acceleration models, the learnings will be useful with respect to the transfer of acceleration practices in the specific context of innovation support services and accelerating innovation projects rather than start-ups.
(EN), KNOWING IPR (EN) | Fostering Innovation in the Danube Region through Knowledge Engineering and IPR Management (Danube Transnational Programme) worked to improve framework conditions for innovation in the Danube region by developing a transnational KnowING IPR platform. This provides the complete online infrastructure for access to enriched data, developed knowledge extraction tools and IPR management tools for both basic and more advanced users. It enables searches and data retrieval using browsers and mobile applications. It offers a complete KnowlNGHub service online (https://www.knowing-ipr.eu/) (PP11 UEFISCDI).
The results of the project will feed the IPR part of the IaaS 4 DR toolbox and learning platform. (EN), INNOHPC (EN) | High-performance Computing for Effective Innovation in the Danube Region (Danube Transnational Programme) worked to create transnational HPC laboratory for co-designing knowledge-intensive innovative products with high value-added in transnational value-chains. This multi-purpose platform provides tools to encourage development of transnational linkages between innovation actors, leading to transnational clusters (https://innohpclab.fis.unm.si/) (PP11 UEFISCDI).
The results will feed the preparation of transnational collaboration models (pilots), with the aim to leverage the approach of the transnational HPC laboratory.
(EN), GREENE 4.0 (Interreg CE – 1.3.2023-28.2.2026, budget 2,253,720.00€) (EN) | Smart and green innovation approaches for scaling up digital transformation opportunities of Manufacturing companies (disruptions in international integration supply chains & identification, and creation of new value chains) – it affects large enterprises, SME, BSO, Regional public authorities, industry ecosystems (Quadruple helix involvement needed). GREENE 4.0 sets transnational cooperation as key factor of success by: generating & piloting 2 smart and green manufacturing new value chains; GREENE 4.0 digital innovation platform, Transnational Digital Transformation Sites, Open Innovation Toolkits, Private Equity tool. The result: companies will have improved capacities of innovating, developing and applying a smart & green solutions / technologies (developed innovative products & services that generate creation of new sustainable supply chain models using open innovation approaches)
https://www.interreg-central.eu/projects/greene-4-0/
PP5 PTP (EN), DANUBEPEERCHAINS - Integrated capacity building and training programme for DANUBE area labour and business support organisations, local industry, and entrepreneurs to enter innovative transnational value CHAINS as PEER-level collaboration partners
2020-2022 (EN) | The main objective of DanubePeerChains, therefore, is to empower Labour market Support Organizations (LSO) and Business Support Organizations (BSO) together with their target groups and further local high potentials (entrepreneurs, SME employees, digitalization specialists) in a joint capacity building and training approach to upskill to high-qualified jobs in the Danube region and to gain sustainable recognition as PEER-level collaboration partners in innovative transnational value chains.
https://www.interreg-danube.eu/approved-projects/danubepeerchains
PP6 PBN (EN), “Forest-based cross-sectoral value chains fostering innovation and competitiveness in the Danube region" (FORESDA) (EN) | Project Objective: To transform traditional forest-based industrial areas into sustainable and innovative manufacturing areas.
Project Results: Increased effectiveness of collaborative research and innovation activities in the forest-based sector, leading to the emergence of new cross-sectoral value chains and better framework conditions for innovation by:
- Providing SMEs, research organizations and intermediaries with 10 pilot innovation spaces, taking into account cross-sectoral aspects;
- Involving them in 3 transnational Collaborative Networks (each including at least 10 SMEs) and 30 Innovation Projects (each including at least 2 SMEs and 1 R&D partner);
- Developing adequate support activities (3 trainings per Collaborative Network, 2 trainings and innovation support per Innovation Project;
- Fostering capacity building in relevant innovation intermediary organizations
https://www.interreg-danube.eu/approved-projects/foresda
PP10 PREDA (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 720 670.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 176 536.00

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:

Common framework for the analysis of innovation support services in the project regions
Mapping of innovation support services in the project regions, including tools & good practices
Comparative analysis of innovation support services in the project regions.
Standardised innovation support services portfolio - Innovation support services and ecosystems
Transnational toolbox and service portfolio for innovation support according to joint standard
Mobilisation campaign of regional stakeholders for setting up regional IaaS node concepts
Transnational co-creation workshops for the development of regional IaaS node concepts
Validated and formalised regional IaaS node concepts (MoU) in each project region
Harmonised transnational capacity framework for integrated innovation support services
Training needs for innovation support providers and policy actors in the project regions.
Definition of core and advanced training programmes for innovation support providers
Peer-based core training delivery for innovation professionals – basic and intermediate level
Peer-based advanced courses delivery for innovation professionals – advanced and expert level
Transnational IaaS reference curriculum for innovation professionals, including materials
Joint study visit dedicated focussing on incubators and tech parks as innovation support tools
Joint study visit dedicated focussing on smart spaces dedicated to digital technologies
Joint study visit dedicated focussing on smart spaces dedicated to co-creation based services
Case studies on smart spaces as tools for improved integrated innovation support services
Setup of the blended learning platform with initial materials for testing
Release of public version of the blended learning platform
Final release of the blended learning platform
Common professional charter for innovation professionals
Launch and promotion of the IaaS 4 DR professional community of innovation professionals
Joint Action Plan for the maintenance of the IaaS 4 DR transnational professional community
Transnational pilots workplan for better innovation support building on smart integrated spaces
Transnational pilots workplan for better innovation support building on smart integrated services
Pilots workplan building on advanced transnational collaboration models and services
Pilot kick-off and promotional campaign of the pilots in the relevant project regions
Mid-term implementation report of the 3 pilots – Focus on progress and challenges
Final implementation report of the 3 pilots – Focus on learnings and pathways for scale-up
Pilot kick-off and promotional campaign of the pilots in the relevant project regions
Mid-term implementation report of the 3 pilots – Focus on progress and challenges
Final implementation report of the 3 pilots – Focus on learnings and pathways for scale-up
Pilot kick-off and promotional campaign of the pilots in the relevant project regions
Mid-term implementation report of the 3 pilots – Focus on progress and challenges
Final implementation report of the 3 pilots – Focus on learnings and pathways for scale-up
Set-up of an evaluation committee and assessment methodology for the pilots
Mid-term evaluation report of the pilots and recommendations for improvement
Final evaluation report of the pilots and recommendations for uptake and scale-up
Transnational Memorandum of Understanding: IaaS scale-up and sustainability plan
Blueprint for accelerated innovation
and industrial transition in rural and remote areas
Regional policy learning workshops
Final transnational multifocal project event

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The objectives of the project are congruent with the PA 8 Competitiveness of Enterprise and the objectives of the WG Innovation and Technology transfer. It will contribute especially to the following main actions:
- To improve framework conditions for SMEs in areas where competitive infrastructure is missing.
The project targets primarily traditional industrial regions in transition with a low innovation performance and weak innovation infrastructure. The transnational Innovation as a Service approach (Result 2 / Result 3 - IaaS 4 DR accelerator) of the project shall enable SMEs to have flexible access to innovation-supportive environments (smart spaces) ‘on-demand’, even if only part of the components are actually available in the region.
- To improve business support to strengthen the capacities of SMEs for cooperation and trade.
The IaaS 4 DR Academy (Result 3) shall leverage the quality of innovation-related business support services in the Danube region, not only through an exchange of experiences and knowledge during the project (Result 1), but more importantly by igniting a learning and capacity building process for innovation support providers. Innovation professionals will be able to better grasp and support the complexity of multidimensional and fast-paced innovation processes, including transversal drivers such as digitalization and circular economy.
Standardised innovation support services (O1.1) will enable a large outreach of the approach throughout the DR.
- To foster cooperation and exchange of knowledge between SMEs, academia and the public sector in areas of competence in the Danube Region.
The creation of regional IaaS nodes (A1.3) according to a quadruple helix approach and the regional policy workshops (A3.7) shall support such cooperation and knowledge exchange across the Danube regions and leverage them in the adoption of new and more comprehensive approaches to innovation support service availability on the regional level.
EuropeanGreenDeal The objectives of the IAAS 4 DR 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 transitions (digital, circular).
IAAS 4 DR also follows an approach to innovation partnerships mentioned in the EU green Deal.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The objectives of the IAAS 4 DR project are congruent with the goal Circular Economy (Strong and sustainable local economies) as well as Balanced Europe (promote polycentric development models that offer a role for all places).
Other EU Strategy for the Alpine Region
The objectives of the IAAS 4 DR project are congruent with the mission of the Action group 1 – Research and Innovation and its objective to develop an effective research and innovation ecosystem.
More specifically the specific objective:
‘Working towards joint pilots with industry participation in areas of smart specialisation to demonstrate opportunities for scaling up innovations for co- creating joint value chains.’
Other The project is in line with the Next generation EU initiatives, funding a set of interventions in each target country addressed to support the EU countries affected by COVID-19. Europe will be greener, more digital, more resilient and better fit for the current and forthcoming challenges. Single market, innovation and digital is one of the priority of intervention.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

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

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

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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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Innovation as a Service for accelerated innovation and industrial transition in industrial rural and remote areas with low innovation capacity in the Danube Region

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Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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