G u i d e b o o k. The project is implemented through the CENTRAL EUROPE Programme and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

Transcription

1 51 I n n ovation Sys tems G u i d e b o o k The project is implemented through the CENTRAL EUROPE Programme and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

2 52 University of Debrecen Prof. László Mátyus Tel: Fax: Municipality of Velenje Rok Matjaž Tel: TechnoCenter at the University of Maribor Anton Habjanič, Ph.D anton.habjanic@uni-mb.si Tel: Centuria RIT Chiara Pari c.pari@centuria-rit.com Tel Fax Amitié Pier Giacomo Sola pgsola@amitie Tel: Fax: Klimentovská a. s. Petra Jirásková petra.jiraskova@klimentovska.as Tel: Multipurpose Union of Kecskemét and its Region, Hungary Dr. Sándor Lakó lako.sandor@aranyhomok.hu Tel: Fax: Published in April, The project is implemented through the CENTRAL EUROPE Programme and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.

3 1 Contents HU SLO CZ IT HU SLO IT HU SLO IT EU Project FREE 2 Guidelines 3 National Innovation Systems 5 Hungary 5 Slovenia 8 Czech Republic 11 Regional, Sectorial and University-level Innovation Systems 15 Emilia Romagna High Technology Network 15 Észak-Alföld Region 19 University of Maribor 22 Filas Laboratory 25 Southern Great Plain Region, Hungary 28 TECOS 32 QuESTIO Quality Evaluation in Science and Technology for Innovation Opportunity 35 EU Innovation Systems 38 European Research Area 38 Europe INNOVA 41 BOOST-IT 44 European Institute of Innovation and Technology 47

4 P R O J E C T F R E E 2 P r o j e c t F R E E FREE intends to contribute to regional development in Central Europe by setting up innovation systems capable of bridging between technical experts, researchers, entrepreneurs and regional and national authorities. The capacity of regional actors to turn knowledge and skills into sustainable competitive advantage is crucial to regions economic performance, as innovation is most effectively addressed at regional level, where physical proximity fosters the partnership between actors. The project s general objectives are: to stimulate technology transfer and knowledge exchange mechanisms; to foster access to scientific knowledge and the use of already existing knowledge; to set up and intensify the applicationoriented cooperation between research and industry. In the framework of these objectives, the Innovation Systems Guidebook offers an overview of national, regional and sectoral innovation systems in project partners countries along with innovation systems at European Union level. Enhanced with guidelines, the overview allows a critical comparison between innovation systems and an identification of the most relevant factors which enable viability and efficiency. Other activities which complete the project s mission are: creating Innovation Services Guidebook; setting up R&T&I Yellow Pages with data on R&D results in the partners regions; establishing a network of mediators of innovation, i.e. individuals with a set of interdisciplinary competences able to support the transfer of knowledge; elaborating training modules and organizing training programmes in each project partners region regarding innovation support; issuing the Patent and Technology Newsletter; organizing a Technology Transfer Day. Project activities will end in June 2011, with outputs ready for adoption and further development. Project partners: University of Debrecen (Hungary), Municipality of Velenje (Slovenia), TechnoCenter at the University of Maribor (Slovenia), Centuria RIT (Italy), Amitié (Italy), Klimentovska PLC (Czech Republic), Multipurpose Union of Kecskemét and its Region (Hungary). A more extensive analysis of innovation systems is available on the project s website:

5 G U I D E L I N E S 3 G u i d e l i n e s Background and policy context Strong and updated innovation policy with coordination and links between policies in the fields of education, research and development and the economy is a characteristic of a well functioning innovation system. Coordination of policies at national and regional levels must be ensured. By setting R&D priorities the policy becomes more targeted. Strategies aimed at implementation of new knowledge and intellectual property rights protection in research organisations, including higher education institutions, are very important. Consensus among social partners and joint policymaking ensure operation on a strategic, long-term horizon and the development of a knowledge based economy. Institutions competences Activities of the key state administration bodies must be coordinated and their scope of application and borderlines of responsibility clearly set out. Cohesion and mutual interaction between the individual participants in the innovation process lead to positive synergies. Highly evolved services of intermediary structures Incubators, technology and science parks, technology transfer offices, clusters and similar structures have acquired an important role in innovation systems. Their presence facilitates knowledge and technology transfer, supports innovation activities and ensures stronger relationship between research, businesses and government. Qualified human resources A sufficient amount of human resources for research, development and innovation is necessary for operating a successful innovation system. Investment in knowledge, mobility of researchers, and targeted promotion of certain education programmes, where the lack of human resources is the most evident, is one activity that can achieve this. Efficient allocation of financial resources Financing of research, development and innovation must be carried out based on policies in the area of innovation, research and development and the economy. Investment policy and the accessibility of resources are also important. Infrastructure and equipment Infrastructure and equipment constitute a necessary prerequisite for the functioning of the innovation system. Financial resources for such investments must be guaranteed. Innovation culture The development of a knowledge-based economy must be stimulated by a pro-innovation environment and a wholesociety perception of the importance of research, development and innovation (the innovation maturity of the society). Publicity and promotion of research, development and innovation in the media, public events, competitions, conferences and workshops all help to create an innovationfriendly environment. Efforts within an individual organization to support innovation culture are crucial.

6 G U I D E L I N E S 4 Monitoring and evaluation Innovation policy and its tools must be modified on a continuous basis according to the results of analytical activities in all areas of a knowledge-based economy. Each innovation system must introduce regular and consistent ex post evaluation of impacts and results. International connections While striving for excellence, a glance over national borders cannot be neglected. Exchange of knowledge and good practices can provide solutions for problems identified or improve activities in progress. Stability and sustainability For a stable and sustainable innovation system the above key factors must be implemented, with emphasis on long-term orientation, monitored functioning and evaluation, positive public perception and targeted investments.

7 N A T I O N A L I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S H u n g a r y 5 H u n g a r y Government stakeholders of innovation policy The Science and Technology Policy Council is the top level government forum for science, technology and innovation, established by the government and chaired by the Prime Minister. The work of the forum is assisted by an advisory, decision-preparing, coordinating and assessing body, the Science and Technology Policy Advisory Committee. The government has also set up the Research and Technology Innovation Council, a body working alongside the National Office for Research and Technology and dealing with strategic issues. The Council, in cooperation with the president of the Office, sets out positions on strategic issues relating to the planning, operation and utilisation of the Fund. The National Office for Research and Technology, in cooperation with the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, developed a mid-term R&D and innovation strategy for the government. The general objective of the strategy is to make Hungary a country, the economy of which is driven by innovation by 2013 and to ensure that Hungarian companies offer competitive products on the international market. Education and Science Committee Research and Innovation ad hoc Committee Hungarian Academy of Sciences Hungarian Patent Office Regional Innovation Agencies Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (OTKA) Committee of OTKA Ministries Parliament National Office for Research and Technology Regional Development Agencies Government Economic Cabinet Development Policy Cabinet Research and Science Policy Council Ministry for National Development and Economy Research and Technology Innovation Council Research and Technology Innovation Fund Hungarian Science and Technology Foundation National Development Agency Managing Authorities New Hungarian Development Plan (EU Structural Funds) resources Hungarian Economic Development Center Ltd. Source: Major goals defined in the strategy I. The rate of company spending on R&D should reach 1.4% of GDP, whereas government spending should not exceed 0.7%. II. Internationally acclaimed R&D facilities and centres should be created. The quality and efficiency of nonprofit research centres should improve and exploitation of results and links to the business sector should be strengthened. Top ranking research universities should be established in Hungary which work in close cooperation with companies and react flexibly to the needs of the economy. III. Hungarian small and medium sized enterprises must receive special treatment. Developing the government

8 N A T I O N A L I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S H u n g a r y 6 strategy for the innovative development of SMEs is one of the most urgent priorities. Government subsidy should not only be a form of capital but also a factor in motivating innovation activities. Actors The Research and Science Policy Council is the highestlevel consulting and co-ordination body on science, technology and innovation (STI) within the government. The Council is responsible for discussing preparatory documents on policy decisions submitted to the Government, co-ordinating STI policy measures and facilitating their implementation. The Ministry of National Development and Economy operates a number of innovation policy measures and supervises the government offices responsible for quality management, intellectual property, standardisation, metrology, energy and consumer protection. On behalf of the government the Minister supervises the National Office for Research and Technology. The Ministry of Education and Culture is in charge of the formation and implementation of science and education policies. It supervises the whole public education system from elementary schools to universities, thus it has a wide responsibility in facilitating appropriate education for the human resources required for innovation. Sectorial ministries, in particular, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Environment and Water, and the Ministry of Health are responsible for mission-oriented research relevant to their field of responsibility. The Research and Technological Innovation Council s main responsibility is to make strategic decisions on the use of the Research and Technology Innovation Fund (allocation strategy, funding schemes to be launched, etc.). The National Office for Research and Technology is responsible for the implementation of the government s STI policy, including the drafting of R&D and innovation programmes and managing international R&D co-operation on behalf of the government. Its president and vice-presidents are appointed by the Prime Minister. The President is responsible for the operative tasks of the Office. The Hungarian Economy Development Centre has taken on the management of all grant schemes and contracts financed by EU funds in relation to economic development; furthermore in 2008 the Centre also undertook the management of the Research and Technology Innovation Fund. The Hungarian Patent Office s functions include, inter alia, (1) the official examinations and procedures in the field of industrial property, (2) preparation and implementation of the Government s strategy for the protection of intellectual property; (3) recommending and implementing policy measures in relation to its mission, and (4) carrying out international and European co-op-

9 N A T I O N A L I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S H u n g a r y 7 eration in the field of intellectual property protection. The Hungarian Scientific Research Fund was established by law in 1991 with a strong mission to provide support for scientific research and to develop the research infrastructure. It functions as an independent grant agency with a strong focus on basic research. Special consideration is given to the development of a new generation of researchers. It enjoys full independence in setting up its fund-allocation strategy, launching funding schemes and making decisions on supports for research projects. The National Development Agency is assigned to carry out mid- and long-term development and planning activities, to prepare and implement strategic plans and operational programmes in order to exploit EU Cohesion and Structural Fund support, including the STI pol- icy priorities of the First National Development Plan for and the New Hungary Development Plan for According to the Act No. 40. of 1994, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences is a self-governing public body. It has a high degree of autonomy in scientific, political and financial respects. The Hungarian Academy of Science and the National Office for Research and Technology prepare professional reports for the government. There are professional teams to support governance during the decision-making processes. The National Office for Research and Technology is responsible for implementing the government s policy. The Research and Technology Innovation Council supervises the use of the Innovation Fund, and deals with strategic questions. Further information Ministry for National Development and Economy: Ministry of Education and Culture: Hungarian Academy of Sciences: Hungarian Patent Office: National Office for Research and Technology: National Development Agency Managing Authorities: Hungarian Scientific Research Fund: Hungarian Science and Technology Foundation: Hungarian Economic Development Center Ltd.:

10 N A T I O N A L I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S S l o v e n i a 8 S l o v e n i a Parliament Science and Technology Committee Science and Technology Council Government Strategic Council Ministry of the Economy Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology Directorate for Entrepreneurship and Competitiveness Directorate for Science and Higher Education Directorate for Technology ARRS JAPTI TIA SIPO Higher Education Organizations and Public Research Institutes Intermediary Structures Private Entities, Private R&D Institutes/ Departments The institutional framework of innovation policy has gone through several changes since Slovenian independence, reflecting in part the search for the most efficient division of tasks between ministries and in part the influence of the science and business communities. Each of the past elections brought forward new ideas on how to best organize the government to be more supportive to science, technology and innovation. Important strategic documents proposed by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia are Slovenia s Development Strategy , the National Research & Development Programme and the Reform Program for implementing the Lisbon Strategy The above schematic presentation reflects the current institutional set up in the area of research and innovation. The key policy role in R&D is played by the Ministry for Higher Education, Science and Technology, which is responsible for setting the policy through the preparation of the five-year National Research and Development Programme. Under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology there are two relevant bodies for innovation and R&D. The Directorate for Science and Higher Education engages in the planning, directing and financing of higher education activities, residential facilities for students and higher education libraries. The Directorate for Technology carries out tasks in the field of technological development and innovation. The Ministry of Economy is in charge of entrepreneurship promotion programmes and several activities in the area of innovation policy. The Directorate for Entrepre-

11 N A T I O N A L I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S S l o v e n i a 9 neurship and Competitiveness operates under the Ministry of Economy, and this body implements programmes and measures aimed at promoting entrepreneurial development and increasing the competitiveness of enterprises and the country by enhancing R&D and innovations in companies. The Slovenian Technology Agency (TIA) provides support for innovation and technology programmes, creates an innovation friendly environment and supports knowledge transfer and technology diffusion to enterprises. The Slovenian Research Agency (ARRS) implements the adopted National Research and Development Program and other tasks to stimulate research activities. ARRS scientific policy instruments include: long-term Research Programs in the area in which there is a national interest; basic, applied and postdoctoral Research Projects; the Target Research Program focused on the basic orientation of the economic development strategy; and the Young Researchers Program aimed at attracting young people to a career as a researcher in public research organizations. The Public Agency for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investments (JAPTI) provides information to SMEs on legal and regulatory/administrative matters, advises as to the potential access to finance, promotes entrepreneurial culture and supports the internationalisation of Slovenian SMEs. The Slovenian Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) carries out tasks in the area of intellectual property, including copyright law and industrial property law. It also drafts legislation in the area of intellectual property and represents the Government in management bodies of the World Organisation for Intellectual Property (WIPO) and in the Council for TRIP within the World Trade Organisation. Higher Education Organizations and Public Research Institutes on the one hand, and Private Entities and Private R&D Institutes/Departments on the other, are important as producers and/or users of new knowledge and technologies. In between are intermediary structures, set up to provide a bridge between the economy and academia. Technology Transfer Offices have been founded at each Slovenian public university. Their conditions are less favourable due to the lack of initial financing and experience. The longest operating TTO in public research organizations is the one at the Jozef Stefan Institute. Each university also has its technology park, and some new parks are being built (for example the Science Park at the University of Maribor), and there are also a number of technology parks founded by other organizations. Technology networks, clusters, platforms and centres are also present, some of them operating with great success. The advantages of the current system include some aspects of the background infrastructure, such as well developed and supported public R&D with good infrastructure and research equipment. Public investments in the education system are significant and the number of higher education students is rising. From the institutional point of view, intermediate structures are growing in number and starting to develop more. New opportunities are presented by EU programmes, which set innovation as one of the thematic priorities and, through international collaboration, facilitate the exchange of good practices and knowledge.

12 N A T I O N A L I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S S l o v e n i a 10 The efforts for future improvements are directed mainly into making legislation more favourable for innovation, preventing the brain-drain, abolishing long administrative procedures within organizations for innovation support, adapting long-term support programs, focusing more on the needs of SMEs, ensuring a balanced regional coverage of innovation support, including more representatives from different sides and interest groups in the shaping of strategic documents and thus reaching a solid consensus among actors within the innovation system, introducing tax/financial incentives, promoting entrepreneurial and innovation culture, encouraging foreign investments and introducing entrepreneurship and innovation into the education system. Further information Ministry of the Economy: Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology: Slovenian Research Agency: Slovenian Technology Agency: Slovenian Intellectual Property Organization: Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investments:

13 N A T I O N A L I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S C z e c h R e p u b l i c 11 C z e c h R e p u b l i c Main partners Regional Bodies Government Parliament Industrial Property Office Chambers Banks Domestic Partners State administration central bodies Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports Ministry of Industry and Trade R & D Institutes Fellowships Foreign Partners Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs Ministry for Regional Development Ministry of the Environment Associations under the Act No. 83/90 Coll., and other partners - AIE CR Science and Technology Parks Association of the CR Czech Society for New Materials and Technologies Council of Czech Scientific Societies Faculty of Civil Engineering, CTU Prague Association of Research Organisations CR Association for Youth, Science and Technology Charles University Prague University of West Bohemia in Plzeň Czech Association of Renewable Energy Brno The Institution of Engineering and Technology Czech Committee for Scientific Management Czech Union of Inventors and Rationalizers Technical University of Liberec Vereinigung Tschechischer Unternehmen in Deutschland (Germany) Association for Irrigation and Landscape Water Management Entrepreneurial subjects Association of Innovative Entrepreneurship of the Czech Republic Society for Technology Transfer Support Czech Institution of Civil and Structural Engineers Faculty of Mechanical Engineering CTU Prague Brno University of Technology Association of Mechanical Engineers Prague Czech Agricultural University Prague University of Economics Prague Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague VŠB - Technical University Ostrava RRSCCE Russian Federation Czech Society for Quality Bruecke - Osteuropa e. V. (Germany) Czech Association of Development Agencies Association for Consulting Technology Transfer Workplace Science and Technology Parks Innovative Companies Other Entrepreneurial Subjects

14 N A T I O N A L I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S C z e c h R e p u b l i c 12 Innovation performance is generally determined by the quality of the national innovation system which is represented by a network of public and private sector institutions, whose activities and mutual relations ensure the process of the creation, transfer and use of new knowledge within the country. Background and policy context In the context of the national innovation system, the role of policy makers is to provide a favourable environment for developing the links between individual participants in the innovation process, including the establishment of an effective institutional background, high quality infrastructure, provision of a sufficient number of qualified human resources and access to financial resources, and to eliminate deficiencies resulting from the failure of market mechanisms by means of suitable instruments. In this context and in connection with the changing character of a competitive advantage, it is therefore necessary to shift the focus of policies in favour of an emphasis on the enhancement of the environment for research, development and innovation. At the same time, it is important to guarantee a uniform development of all components of the national innovation system through coordination and links between the policies in the areas of education, research and development, innovation and enterprise. Institutions competences The institutional environments are institutions at the state level, e.g. the legal framework provided by legislation and the organizations ensuring its formulation and observance. Competences of individual central authorities of the state administration are defined by the so-called Competence Act. The main competence in research and development is provided for by Act No. 130/2002 Coll., on the support of research and development from public funds. The central body of the state administration for high schools and universities, science policy, research and development, and international cooperation in this field, is the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education is particularly responsible for the preparation of the National Policy for Research and Development of the Czech Republic and supervises its realization, establishes research priorities in the form of the National Programme for Research and implements some of these; prepares legal regulations on research and development and assesses the impact of other legal regulations on research and development and is in charge of the international cooperation of the Czech Republic in research and development. The Research and Development Council is a professional and advisory body to the government in the field of research and development and pursuant to the Act its responsibilities include the elaboration of long-term principle directions in research and development for the Czech Republic through its advisory bodies, preparation of yearly analyses and assessment of the state of research and development in the Czech Republic, and proposals on the volume of overall expenditure on research and development in individual budget categories and its allocation. In total 22 providers are involved in the system of R&D support to a varying degree which very much complicates

15 N A T I O N A L I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S C z e c h R e p u b l i c 13 both thematic and administrative coordination and leads to public support being significantly fragmented. Highly evolved services of intermediary structures Incubators, technology and science parks, technology transfer offices, clusters and similar structures have acquired an important position in innovation systems. Their presence facilitates knowledge and technology transfer, supports innovation activities and ensures greater interconnectedness between research communities, businesses and government. Qualified human resources The efforts in this area must be directed mainly towards increasing the number of researchers and enhancing their quality. This will contribute not only to attaining excellence in Czech research, but also to the creation of new knowledge that is practically utilizable and which can boost competitiveness growth in enterprises. Efficient allocation of financial resources The global target in the area of R&D&I is to ensure effective allocation of public and private financial resources for research, development and innovation, use the national public R&D funds effectively, become more actively involved in the European Research Area, stimulate private spending on research, development and innovation and finally, stimulate venture capital investments. Infrastructure and equipment A dense network of effectively working entities must be built using the investments in research infrastructure realized at national and regional levels that will ensure a sufficient research capacity for their own activities or to meet the demands of other entities. The innovation infrastructure built with state support will then facilitate the rise of new innovative enterprises and boost the transfer of knowledge, thus supporting innovation development. At the same time, the co-operation of individual participants during the innovation process must be effectively stimulated, based on the triple-helix model. Innovation culture To develop a knowledge-based society it is essential to create an environment stimulating research, development and innovation. The creation of a pro-innovation culture and the strengthening of the general perception of innovation in society should contribute to this. It is vital to improve the publicity and promotion of R&D&I among the wider public. The mass media can significantly help to improve the innovation environment and the opening up of Czech society. Monitoring and evaluation It is fundamentally important to make a sophisticated and objective evaluation of the execution of research, development and innovation policies and all other relevant conceptual documents, including the evaluation of actual results (impacts). It is also necessary to systematically monitor and evaluate the individual measures and their inter-relationship, perform an analysis and modify them, if necessary, by, for example, changing the rules relating to financing, conditions for participation, extension, etc.

16 N A T I O N A L I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S C z e c h R e p u b l i c 14 International connections Promoting Czech R&D means presenting its results abroad in an appropriate way. This increase in the public profile of Czech research can have a positive effect on broadening international co-operation in R&D and the involvement of Czech teams in the activity of renowned international workplaces, and also promote a greater international mobility of Czech scientists, and encourage the arrival of top foreign experts and an increased interest among leading enterprises in investing in Czech R&D. Stability and sustainability For a stable and sustainable innovation system the above key factors must be implemented, with emphasis on longterm orientation, monitored functioning and evaluation, positive public perception and targeted investments. Contact Technology Center of Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic tel.: Further information Research and Development Council: Czech RTD: The Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic: University of Economics in Prague: Investment and Business Development Agency:

17 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS E m i l i a R o m a g n a H i g h T e c h n o l o g y N e t w o r k, I t a l y 15 Emilia-Romagna Regional Government ASTER Science Technology Business Technopole Bologna Manifattura Technopole Bologna-CNR Technopole Ferrara Technopole Forli-Cesena Technopole Modena Technopoles Technopole Parma Technopole Piacenza Technopole Ravenna-Faenza Technopole Reggio-Emilia Technopole Rimini HIGH TECHNOLOGY NETWORK In recent years the Emilia-Romagna Regional Government has developed a strategy for the improvement and promotion of innovation in the local productive economy, through the Regional Program for Industrial Research, Innovation and Technology Transfer (PRRIITT). The High Technology Network of Emilia-Romagna was created in this context. The Network joins together and coordinates activities of industrial research carried out by a set of organizations, mostly in the public sector, including industrial research laboratories and Innovation Centres. This set of structures is organized into thematic platforms, designed to: - meet the demand for business research in strategic areas - identify technological scenarios and requirements not yet noticed by enterprises - encourage enterprises towards the transition from incremental research to innovation - compete at international level and to become a benchmark for industrial research. The Region is committed to carrying forward the strategy with the implementation of TECHNOPOLES - infrastructure promoted in conjunction with Universities, Research Bodies and local Authorities, furnished with technological

18 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS E m i l i a R o m a g n a H i g h T e c h n o l o g y N e t w o r k, I t a l y 16 equipment, and dedicated to host and promote activities, services and facilities for industrial research, experimental development and technology transfer. Technopoles will be established in 10 towns in the Emilia- Romagna Region, in provincial capitals and some major municipalities: Piacenza, Parma, Reggio-Emilia, Modena, Bologna (Ex Manifattura Tabacchi and CNR), Ferrara, Ravenna-Faenza, Forlí-Cesena, and Rimini. The centre of the Network will be represented by the Technopole of Bologna, located at the Ex Manifattura Tabacchi, which will act as a hub for the whole network of technopoles. The services of the Technopoles, and also the Platforms will be realized and coordinated by ASTER Science Technology Business, a Consortium combining the Emilia-Romagna Regional Government, five Universities, 3 National Research Centres located in the region (ENEA, CNR, INAF) and the region s Entrepreneurial Associations. The aim of the Consortium is to provide common services, to coordinate the entire net- work according to the specific services of each Technopole, to implement inter-connectedness and to develop crossnetwork services. THEMATIC PLATFORMS The Laboratories and Research Centres of the Technopoles are organized in Thematic Platforms, divided into thematic areas: AGROFOOD PLATFORM MECHANICS AND MATERIALS PLATFORM BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS PLATFORM ICT AND DESIGN PLATFORM ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND ENERGY PLATFORM LIFE AND HEALTH SCIENCES PLATFORM The offices of the laboratories and research centres will be inside the structures that compose the 10 Technopoles, spread over the Emilia-Romagna region. Platforms TECHNO POLES Piacenza Parma Reggio- Emilia Modena Bologna Manifattura Bologna CNR Ferrara Ravenna Faenza Forli- Cesena Rimini AGROFOOD MECHANICS AND MATERIALS CONSTRUCTIONS ICT ENERGY ENVIRONMENT LIFE AND HEALTH SCIENCES

19 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS E m i l i a R o m a g n a H i g h T e c h n o l o g y N e t w o r k, I t a l y 17 FEATURES AND COMMON FUNCTIONS OF TECHNOPOLES Technopoles are characterized by an integrated and coordinated offer of innovation services for enterprises, research structures or centres and companies in the Emilia-Romagna region. The overall objective is to reduce the gap between the demand for and supply of research, simplifying connections and relationships and supporting collaboration. Each research centre, company or laboratory operating in the Technopole will be able to develop collaborative projects and relationships in its own sphere of interest and may benefit from a full range of joint services with high added value. All planned activities will be undertaken in collaboration with the Region s association, local TT and Innovation centres. Industrial research and technological development The technopoles will have specialized human resources for industrial research, experimental development and technology transfer. The activities offered, expertise and R&D services will be the Technopole s priority task, and will be developed in research laboratories specialized in various scientific fields. These laboratories will be provided with scientific equipment. Technology transfer Technology transfer is a set of services that will include, firstly, an information and awareness campaign for enterprises on the theme of collaboration between research and enterprise, and, secondly, assistance in the business s analysis of requirements and subsequent contact with the necessary research facilities. This service will develop informative activities and support the protection and valorisation of knowledge and competences, industrial research results and technology innovations created by companies and research structures. The activity will be aimed at research centres and enterprises, and will be structured according to 2 main areas: information/diffusion and technical assistance activities. Business Creation The Technopoles will disseminate business culture, in order to encourage the creation of enterprises with high technology content and to enable start-up companies to grow and compete. The specific aim of this activity is to identify business ideas with high technology content, to provide tangible services for those with business ideas and to start-up enterprises with high-tech content. Communication and Promotion The aim is to promote different services in each Technopole and to extensively communicate the results obtained by different laboratories. The geographic target of this service will be the local and regional level, but national and international levels will be considered too. The organization of the Technopoles is still in progress, so some Platforms and some Centres can change.

20 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS E m i l i a R o m a g n a H i g h T e c h n o l o g y N e t w o r k, I t a l y 18 The High Technology Network of the Emilia-Romagna Region also includes the Innovation Centres of the region, 9 in total. The Centres are connected with the Platforms, but not allocated inside the Technopole structures. BOLOGNA CESENA (Forlì-Cesena) PORRETTA TERME (Bologna) IMOLA (Bologna) AGROFOOD MECHANICS AND MATERIALS ICT AND DESIGN ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY Innovation Centre ISML Design Centre Bologna Centre for Digital innovation in Multimedia Innovation Centre CENTURIA RIT Innovation Centre CISA Contact: Emilia Romagna HIGH TECHNOLOGY NETWORK info@aster.it Tel

21 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS É s z a k - A l f ö l d R e g i o n, H u n g a r y 19 Committee of Regional Innovation and Informatics REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Regional Innovation Agency Regional Development Agency Research institutes and Colleges of the Region Enterprises in Észak-Alföld Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry Clusters Bioincubator Centre Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office University of Debrecen Actors The Regional Innovation Committees (RICs) and the Regional Innovation Agencies (RIAs) are the responsible organisations for regional development, innovation and the realization of research and development projects in all Hungarian regions. The RICs are responsible for decision-preparing processes, professional supervision of the regional innovation strategy, defining long-term priorities, and organising the proposal system, financed from the Innovation Fund. RIAs are responsible for regional development, innovation and the realization of R&D&I projects in Hungary. The INNOVA Észak-Alföld Regional Development and Innovation Agency Nonprofit Ltd. is a nonprofit company and is jointly owned by the Regional Development Council, the University of Debrecen, Nyíregyháza College, Szolnok College, Észak-alföld Regional Development Plc. and the Hungarian Innovation Association. INNOVA is responsible for the strategic planning of the regional public innovation programs carried out at regional or local level for the Research, Technology and Innovation Fund of Hungary. IN- NOVA organizes the innovation stakeholders into a network and harmonizes the regional innovation process between

22 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS É s z a k - A l f ö l d R e g i o n, H u n g a r y 20 the innovation service providers, the university knowledge centers and the innovative companies. Furthermore it analyzes the needs and tendencies of SMEs in the region on a yearly basis and offers innovation management courses for companies and researchers as well. With its R&D income about 18 million euro University of Debrecen (UD) is one of the most rapidly developing knowledge centers in Hungary. The University has a student body of 33,000, of which 21,000 are full-time students. Its 11 university and 4 college faculties, and 21 doctoral schools undoubtedly offer the widest choice of majors and other courses. The integrated University of Debrecen draws on its three centers (the Centre for Agricultural and Applied Economic Sciences the Medical and Health Sciences Centre and the Centre of Arts, Humanities and Sciences), which, through their cooperation, ensure a multidisciplinary background which guarantees the University a leading role as a research and education institution. The University s mission is to turn into a research university with entrepreneurship, and to play a key role in the economic growth of the Észak- Alföld Region. The university and its Technology Transfer Office (UD TTO) places special emphasis on the dissemination of innovation culture, and the mediation between the university researchers and the companies. UD TTO facilitates the application of R&D results and technologies developed at the University of Debrecen. The Bioincubator Centre supports spin-off companies of the region with modern research infrastructure and business management services. UD develops and maintains a network with companies, regional development agency, research institutions, and incubators and collaborates with them mainly in R&D projects. UD is the member of several regional clusters. Nyíregyháza College and Szolnok College are the main knowledge centers for engineering courses at BSc level. The Agricultural and Molecular Research Institute was founded in 2005 by Nyíregyháza College with the aim of enhancing and integrating R&D activities in the fields of natural, agricultural-, environmental sciences and biotechnology. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry is located in the main cities of the region and its branches are active in the field of professional training, basic entrepreneur advice and representation of interests. The Network of the Hungarian Foundation for Promoting Enterprises is an important actor in the region in improving and strengthening county and international economic relations. They offer microcredit for small enterprises, advice and an information network on basic entrepreneur issues, training events for small and medium enterprises and exhibitions. Major innovation-related clusters in the Észak- Alföld Region: Pharmapolis Innovative Pharmaceutical Cluster IT Cluster of the Észak-Alföld Region Silicon Field Regional IT Cluster Pharmapolis Innovative Food Industry Cluster The Institute of Nuclear Research and the Centre for Regional Research are the main institutes of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in the region.

23 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS É s z a k - A l f ö l d R e g i o n, H u n g a r y 21 Financing There are 4 major means of financing innovation policy in Hungary: the institutions own budgets, direct domestic funds from the Research and Technology Innovation Fund, mixed funding sources which include the Észak- Alföld Operative Program and sectorial OPs (as the Economic Development Operative Program), EU funds: FP7, CIP, INTTEREG IV. There is a national, centrally organised scheme, the Baross Gábor Programme, supporting regional innovation networks, which explicitly targets selected regions in order to tackle specific regional challenges, as identified in each Regional Innovation Strategy. It is composed of seven, somewhat different regional calls for research, each tailored to the perceived needs of the given region. The planning process is supervised by the Regional Innovation Agencies: they formulate their own programmes according to the specific needs and priorities of their regions. The Economic Development Operative Programme in line with the New Hungary Development Plan ( ) defines 6+1 so-called development poles (corresponding to the six regions of Hungary plus the capital, Budapest). Furthermore, the Regional Operative Programme contains six sub-programmes, each adapted to the individual needs of the regions. Most of these make a priority of economic competitiveness, stressing the importance of improving the conditions for innovation. A separate Central-Hungarian Regional Operative Programme has been devised for the most competitive Hungarian region. The first priority of the first specific objective is Innovation- and enterprise-oriented development of the knowledge-based economy. Since the first calls for research under these headings were only launched late 2007, it cannot be established at this stage whether the schemes financed under the Regional Operative Programme will have major regional impacts.

24 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS U n i v e r s i t y o f M a r i b o r, S l o v e n i a 22 Rector Senate Executive board TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFICE TechnoCenter at the University of Maribor Venture Factory, Business Incubator of the University of Maribor INCUBATORS Net spin-off Incubator of the University of Maribor SCIENCE PARKS Science park at the University of Maribor The University of Maribor (UM) is the second largest university in Slovenia. It is situated in Maribor, but active all around Slovenia. There are more than 23,000 students studying at the UM at 17 faculties. The UM plays an important role in the entrepreneurial environment of Slovenia, constantly adapting to market conditions and looking for new opportunities. Many of these opportunities are found in several business and innovation centres established by the University. Two of the primary common goals of these organizations are to connect the UM with the economy and to enable a quicker transfer of innovations into business practice. In this way, the UM is setting the foundations for a successful transformation of knowledge into practice and is creating added value for the economy. The TechnoCenter (TC) at the University of Maribor provides many services intended to promote and support technology and knowledge transfer. It was established as a technology transfer office with the goal of contributing to regional and national economic development. TC

25 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS U n i v e r s i t y o f M a r i b o r, S l o v e n i a 23 helps its clients transfer innovations or new technology to business practice and get financial support from national or EU funds. It consults about patent and other protections of the intellectual property rights and helps its clients make decisions for the right form of protection for their inventions, brands, models and other creations. With its broad influence, TC helps connect its clients with potential partners, to evaluate the market value of a particular invention and successfully licence or sell this innovation on the market or establish spin-off companies. Besides its main competences, TC is also involved in different projects on the basis of EU programs that contribute to technology transfer solutions, and events and conferences such as the annual Meeting of Researchers and Entrepreneurs. The Venture Factory is a university business incubator located in Maribor. It has offices for incubating companies, one multimedia seminar room for 70 people, a common room with six workstations, a small seminar room and a library. Currently it has 20 member companies and is the third biggest incubator in the region. The Venture Factory helps its member companies in three different ways. Firstly, it offers them lower costs for office space and administration. Secondly, it introduces them to the entrepreneur environment, which gives them an opportunity to get information from other member companies or advice from incubator experts and partners. Thirdly, it gives them a higher market value by acknowledging their business model and believing in their potential. The Venture Factory also provides many other services, which increase its effect on the entrepreneurial environment in a broader sense: - The University business portal (Venture Factory web portal). It offers a careers information centre, information on educative business seminars, a market for ideas and a meeting point for members. - The Microsoft Innovation Centre and Business accelerator program. With this program, the Microsoft innovation Centre and its partners seek to upgrade the existing initiatives such as Microsoft Imagine Cup and prepare participants for different business competitions. - Start:up Slovenia. An all-slovenian competition for start-up companies offers opportunities for start-up companies to present themselves and compete with their business models, to connect with potential investors, get professional support, financial rewards and publicity. - ITIME business accelerator. Its goal is to upgrade innovative ideas from the field of information technology by offering advice and ideas from successful individuals and to present them in front of potential investors. The Net Spin-off Incubator is located in Celje and functions in the same way as the previously mentioned Venture Factory. It currently has 13 member companies and is part of a larger business incubator with a planned 50,172 m2 of office space. Its main objective is to help realize entrepreneurial initiatives that emerge from the UM and its faculties. Therefore it is largely intended for the academic or research sphere at the faculties of the UM and students of the UM. It is also intended for companies and technology centres interested in the entrepreneurial application of ideas and programs which originate in the Net Spin-off Incubator. Cooperation with company clusters, experts and innovators is very much welcomed as well.

26 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS U n i v e r s i t y o f M a r i b o r, S l o v e n i a 24 The Science Park at the University of Maribor is a project of many partners. This shows the high importance and value of the project for the state and the region. The University of Maribor has taken the initiative and has, together with the Republic of Slovenia, the Municipality of Maribor, the EU and other project partners, established a new science centre. This centre is today still in the implementation phase, but once completed, it will function as an organization whose main goal will be to increase the welfare of the community by promoting the culture of innovation and competitiveness of member companies and the institutions of knowledge. It will stimulate and manage the flow of knowledge and technology between the university and science or research institutions, companies and the market. Through the incubation of its start-up member companies, it will establish conditions for growth and faster spin-off processes. For students, academic workers, entrepreneurs, companies and institutes the UM innovation system creates new opportunities: easier access to knowledge, faster transfer of business models into practice, greater competitiveness of companies, as well as new technologies and financial resources. Furthermore, the UM promotes entrepreneurship, cooperation and innovation, not only in the region, but on the national level; thus the government also supports these projects. Another aspect is positive synergies between the organizations, which help each other and collaborate to achieve common success. Contact: University of Maribor rektorat@uni-mb.si Tel:

27 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS F I L A S L a b o r a t o r y, I t a l y 25 FILAS operates in the context of the network of executive organisations that the Lazio Region has created to carry out the tasks assigned to it for the economic development of the territory. The companies owned by the Region in the regional network are: Region LAZIO Agenzia Sviluppo Lazio S.p.A. Organisation for realization of the regional planning Bic Lazio S.p.A. Agency for the diffusion of the entrepreneurial culture and of support to business start-ups Laziomatica S.p.A. Regional company for Information Technology Litorale S.p.A. Structure specialized in projects of economic, tourism and occupational development of the Lazio coast Unionfidi Lazio S.p.A. Company active in the support to enterprises for the access to credit RisorSa S.r.l. Team of organizational and financial consulting to the regional sanitary system Asclepion S.p.A. Company that promotes the diffusion of a managerial culture in the regional sanitary system FI.LA.S. SpA Financial Company for Development of Lazio FILAS Laboratory: Financial Company for Development of Lazio PRESIDENT FILAS is the company dedicated to supporting the processes of development and innovation of the entrepreneurial fabric of the Lazio region. Advisors Managing Director Board of Auditors Independent Auditors Created in 1975 as a body designed to carry out the economic planning of the Lazio Region, FILAS is the company through which the Region launches specific interventions oriented towards the promotion of technologically advanced services within SMEs, and projects addressed to single sectors, through the identification of standards, solutions and common technological platforms.

28 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS F I L A S L a b o r a t o r y, I t a l y 26 The mission of FILAS consists in developing actions designed to guide and lead the economy of the Lazio territory, particularly in the new technology sector. The role of FILAS focuses on the management of tools connected to innovation, to new technologies and the internet-economy, with the aim of increasing the competitiveness of the economy in Lazio, both in terms of the growth of the domestic economy and of Lazio s ability to attract external investments. These tasks are carried out with the aim of promoting the development of innovative enterprises and supporting the Government of the Lazio Region in the continuous monitoring of the needs and the state of businesses. FILAS s tasks include: - offering financial assistance - managing the special funds of the Lazio Region - promoting and managing development interventions in various areas and in productive sectors - operating the programs of the European Union FILAS generates various projects to support, directly or indirectly, innovation and the development of the entrepreneurial fabric of the Lazio region: it sustains the creation of new enterprises beginning from business ideas (Business Lab), it supports the Region in the organization of the aerospace sector to create the conditions to maximise the positive results of Project Galileo (Aerospace District, whose main project is the GTR Galileo Test Range), it promotes at national and international level the Lazio region and its opportunities for film production (Filming In Lazio Makes Sense), and it manages the governance tools of the innovation processes (In Governance). Among the projects of FILAS are the following web Portals: the Social Network of Lazio s enterprises and professionals, the Portal dedicated to the supply and demand for jobs, to e-learning, and to internships. a point of orientation and reference for institutions and micro, small and medium enterprises, which offers a clear and complete vision of the evolution of innovation in the Lazio region. Technological Districts Filas plays an important role in the activities of the local Government for the three technological districts, aiming to integrate innovation and competitiveness on the global market in the sectors that play a fundamental role in the regional economy: At the moment in Lazio there are 3 Technological Districts: The Technological District of Aerospace The Technological District of Biosciences The Technological District of Cultural Activities and Goods DTA - Technological District of Aerospace The aerospace industry in Lazio boasts a history of over a century, an advanced and articulated industrial system and a system of training and research of great prestige. The DTA

29 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS F I L A S L a b o r a t o r y, I t a l y 27 was created in June 2004, following an agreement between the Lazio Region, MIUR (Ministry of Education, Universities and Research) and MEF (Ministry of Economy and Finance), and was provided with 62 million Euros of funding. DTB - Technological District of Biosciences Lazio is the second region in Italy in terms of the number of firms and employees in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors and first in terms of their share of local industry. The objective of the DTB is to raise and to improve the interaction between the research system and the system of enterprises in the Life Sciences sectors. The DTB was founded on April 4th 2008 by the Lazio Region, MISE (Ministry of Economic Development) and MIUR (Ministry of Education, Universities and Research), with an endowment of public resources of over 77 million Euros. DTC - Technological District for Cultural Activities and Goods Italy boasts the greatest number of sites included in Unesco s World Heritage List. Moreover, ICT - both in terms of the number of enterprises and people employed is the largest industrial sector in the Lazio region, where 69% of Italian cinema and audiovisual businesses are found. The DTC was created in November 2007 following an agreement between MIUR (Ministry of Education, Universities and Research), MISE, (Ministry of Economic Development) MIBAC (Ministry of Heritage and Culture) and the Lazio Region, with a public investment of 61 million Euros between 2008 and Future Districts 2 more Technological Districts are in the planning phase and are dedicated: 1. to ICT and multimedia 2. to renewable energies and sustainable technologies FILAS is innovative in its approach: in terms of its funding, support and information, and because it promotes dialogue in the region and provides incentives to SMEs. Contact: FILAS LABORATORY info@filas.it Tel.:

30 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS S o u t h e r n G r e a t P l a i n R e g i o n, H u n g a r y 28 Universities, Research Institutes Social organisations Chambers NFU Governing bodies Bridge generators Market organisations DARFT NKTH RIÜ Industry Corporate Enterprises SMEs R&D&I actors of the Southern Great Plain Region The innovation system of the region is made up of three main elements: innovative enterprises, organisations involved in higher education, and scientific research and innovation supporting organisations. Innovative enterprises stand out in the regions of rural Hungary in terms of innovation indicators (successful applications, patents, R&D jobs, R&D expenses, etc). The most innovative enterprises are SMEs, with micro and small enterprises being particularly present. Regarding their geographical location regional disparities can be observed, especially in Csongrád County, and within Csongád with a concentration in Szeged. However, the diffusion of innovative enterprises is limited compared to Budapest and Pest County. With reference to the organisations participating in higher education and scientific research, the region is among the firsts in the country, mainly due to the Biological Research Centre of the University of Szeged, Great opportunities may open up for the College of Kecskemét in the future concerning R&D&I activities due to some proposed major projects to be realized soon in Kecskemét. The higher education institutions of the region are as follows: University of Szeged College of Kecskemét Tessedik Sámuel College Eötvös József College Tomori Pál College.

31 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS S o u t h e r n G r e a t P l a i n R e g i o n, H u n g a r y 29 The major research institutions in the region are as follows: Biological Research Center of Szeged of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Bay Zoltán Foundation for Applied Research, Institute for Biotechnology (BAYBIO), Cereal Research Non-Profit Company, Research Institute for Fisheries and Irrigation. An international standard scientific capacity can be found in the region, particularly in Szeged. The most significant scientific capacity is concentrated in the field of biotechnology. Relying on scientific research, patents related to high technology, and products of high added value have been developed, though at present this is not typical, despite the fact that it could represent an opportunity for a breakthrough. The inability to exploit the research results of the region can be explained especially by economical weaknesses, the low capital intensiveness of businesses, and by their non-competitiveness. The key regional participants of the knowledge-based economy are the so-called spinoff companies, established in order to exploit the research results emerging in the region. The spin-off companies are characterised by a high degree of innovativeness and a high level of research and development expenditures, but also by a low number of employees. The supporting organisations are also active in the region. Important and useful work is carried out by the Southern Great Plain Regional Development Agency, the Hungarian Association for Innovation Southern Great Plain Office, Progress Enterprise Foundation, Bács-Kiskun County Foundation for Enterprise Development, ITD Hungary Zrt, the Southern Great Plain Regional Development Inc, and the Bay Zoltán Foundation for Applied Research Biotechnology Institute. In addition, the Southern Great Plain Regional Development Agency and the VÁTI Hungarian Regional Development and Urbanistic Non-profit Company should also be mentioned. A relatively large number of clusters is also a characteristic of the Southern Great Plain region. The innovation capabilities of a region essentially determine its competitiveness, and the main directions of economic development and improvement. The capacity for innovation includes all aspects of research and development, and the economic background, such as: the economic performance of the organisations in the region, the capacity for value-added production, the educational and research focus, the developmental stage of bridge generating organisations, and the willingness of organisations to cooperate with each other. Despite the restructuring efforts of the past decades in the region it has remained primarily an agricultural region. Currently, industrial activity is not dominant, but within that, manufacturing industry is the most significant. On the Southern Great Plains, besides manufacturing industry a much higher than average percentage is represented by the electricity, gas and water supply sectors as well. Unfortunately, in terms of GDP creation, the Southern Great Plain performs not only below the EU average but below the national average as well, since it is in the fifth place of the seven regions of Hungary. The highest contribution to GDP is provided by the services sector. Nevertheless, the conversion of the economic structure in the region has become necessary, and should be di-

32 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS S o u t h e r n G r e a t P l a i n R e g i o n, H u n g a r y 30 rected towards the service / tertiary sectors and knowledge-based sectors. The number of enterprises in the region is comparatively very high, for two reasons: on the one hand, the high number of agricultural micro-enterprises, on the other hand, the great proportion of spin-off companies, spun off by the research institutes. This is demonstrated by the high level of entrepreneurial activity observable in the region. The data relating to the Region s research and development is very positive in the Hungarian context; a significant intellectual potential is hidden in the region. The R&D indicators in the Southern Great Plain are above the national average, and only the Central Hungary region shows higher values. The research, development and innovation activities in the Southern Great Plain are outstanding not only at the research institutes; enterprises also prove themselves to be more innovative compared to the national average; a great role is played by the university and research centre spin-offs. Besides the strengths above, weaknesses of the regional innovation system should also be mentioned as follows: A low number of innovative enterprises Regional disparities A lack of a corporate enterprise environment, The problem of knowledge exploitation, Resource absorption ability needs to be improved, A low number of R&D co-operations.

33 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS S o u t h e r n G r e a t P l a i n R e g i o n, H u n g a r y 31 View of the future The Southern Great Plain Region, a region of the European Union with a developed, knowledge-based economy Economic profit: Social profit: System of innovative strategic objectives in Southern Great Plain region Aims of the included: Horizontal objectives: Abilities: Operating objectives: The contribution of the region to the GDP is to grow average Volume of foreign investment is to grow Biotechnology Operating R+D+I corporations Development of innovative knowledge and abilities of human resources Expert incomes of the region are to grow Improvement of ability to attract innovative capital Conditions, system if institutions: Development of systems supporting knowledge flow Development of innovative instituion system of region Providing necessary innovation tools for the system Innovation-based competitivness of the enterprises in the region is to improve Strengthening innovaion cooperations Strengthening innovative knowledge and abilities Creation of new workplaces in the region Existential security Decrease of territorial disparities in innovation performance Strengthening of old abilities to secure innovation sources and absorption Improvment of quality of life Laser technology Machine technology ICT Becoming a supplier for knowledge intensive corporations Necessity of big projects: Attracting further large scale projects; their establishment Utilisation of the existing big projects, use their results within region Division of large scale projects into SME scale innovation systems Strengthening of coordinating, cooperating abilities of bridge generators

34 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS T E C O S, S l o v e n i a 32 Managing board/ Managment Project work General Affairs Training R&D Project CAE Department Injection molding Sheet metal forming Metal casting technologies DigiCEN Rapid prototyping CAD/CAM MEMBERS/PARTNERS TECOS is a Slovenian tool and die development centre, whose main objective is to support the Slovenian tool making industry by taking advantage of its own knowledge and equipment. It was founded by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia and the Municipality of Celje. Tool making markets are becoming increasingly demanding, thus tool mak- ing companies must be one step ahead of the competition. They have to invent new products, come up with new ways of producing them and establish their own trends. TECOS helps them to do just that. Close collaboration with Slovenian universities and scientific, research and professional institutions, enables TECOS to resolve all tasks and problems better and faster.

35 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS T E C O S, S l o v e n i a 33 TECOS main tasks are: - support to the tool making industry for the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies; - applied research and development (R&D) work for the industry; - support and training in R&D for small and medium enterprises (SME); - joint actions for the promotion of the tool making industry on foreign markets; - management and coordination of joint national and international R&D projects; - specialized training for specific tool making skills. TECOS has 92 members, of which 75 are toolmakers, 4 are suppliers, 6 are schools, 2 are institutes and the other 5 are organizations connected with tool making. Direct benefits for members are discounts on activities organized by TECOS and discounts when using its services. TECOS offers mediation in establishing contacts with foreign partners, acts as a connection point between its members, organizes annual meetings and gives opportunities for company presentations and networking. Although it was predominately established by state institutions, it does not receive any funding from the state budget. Thus all its income is made on the market. To be successful, it has to be competitive, efficient and highly beneficial to its partners. On average it runs 15 national/regional projects and 270 industrial projects for its business partners. Its annual income is around 1 million Euros. The top of its organization structure consists of the managing board, the executive director and the expert council. Further down the structure, there are two divisions: The General Affairs Division and the Project Work Division. The General Affairs Division covers administration, partner support and training. Knowledge is the basic foundation for progress and training is therefore seen as a very important part of TECOS s service. Training events are field-specific and intended for experts. There are different forms of training offered: - One day seminars; - Certificate training; - Customer-specific training; - Professional excursions; - Conferences and forums (International Conference on Industrial Tools (ICEM), International Deep Drawing Research Group (IDDRG) conference). The Project Work Division consists of two departments: the Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) Department and the R&D Projects Department. The CAE Department helps implement computer aided applications in tool making and other industrial sectors. It mostly helps in the fields of mechanical engineering, construction and the electro technical industry. TECOS also offers quality consultancy services to address specific technological problems arising at any stage of the manufacturing process. Because of the broad spectrum of the working area, there are several informal subdivisions or groups within the CAE Department, covering the following areas of work: injection moulding; sheet metal forming; metal casting technologies; digicen (3D digitizing and reverse engineering); rapid prototyping; computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).

36 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS T E C O S, S l o v e n i a 34 The R&D Projects Department carries out one of the most important of TECOS activities. R&D is very important for a company s growth and competitive edge. Especially for SMEs, investments in R&D are extremely demanding in terms of human, time and financial resources. TECOS offers help to investors in searching for a suitable project consortium, which will be able to carry out the R&D project concerned with sufficient organizational, human and financial resources. TECOS offers services in three R&D phases: R&D activities, application and coordination. The R&D department also offers help in obtaining additional funding in Slovenia, neighbouring countries and in the EU. The main sources of additional financing are EU funds, domestic funds, bilateral projects or funds obtained directly from the industry. With the use of TECOS s services, companies can achieve the desired results with fewer resources. TECOS also offers a great opportunity for acquiring connections, knowledge and potential partners. It presents an ideal forum for collaboration and joint projects between members. Contact: TECOS info@tecos.si Tel:

37 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS QuESTIO - Quality Evaluation in Science and Technology for Innovation Opportunity, Italy 35 Portfolio Policies Portfolio Policies Governance Support to planning Tools and policies for financing Technology Transfer Training of Researchers Cross-Policies Focused Multi-sectoral The Lombardy Region s approach to Research and Innovation QuESTIO (Quality Evaluation in Science and Technology for Innovation Opportunity), is the base of knowledge for the Centres of Research and Technological Transfer (CRTT), a structure conceived by the Lombardy Region to map this reality. Through the gathering of information, QuESTIO offers a showcase of those involved in research, in technological transfer and in innovation. QuESTIO is useful to whoever wants to purchase R&TT services and to the centres that need to be familiar with each other s work and to interact. It is a useful tool for the Lombardy region to develop selective policies for financing research and innovation aimed at rewarding excellence. QuESTIO, besides representing the full range of the registration system of the centres of Research and technological Transfer in Lombardy, also represents a showcase for research and development, a perspective on global innovation, and a forum for direct dialogue among CRTT, enterprises, associations and private individuals, through: - a community that allows the CRTTs to converse with each other on themes of common interest (blogs, forums) and to directly interact with the enterprises and their associations through advanced and interactive tools of communication (showcases, tickets), in order to answer questions or to indicate solutions. - A channel of multimedia informative services, that reports on the debate and the innovative ideas at

38 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS QuESTIO - Quality Evaluation in Science and Technology for Innovation Opportunity, Italy 36 an international level, and that communicates ad hoc information on the opportunities for financing and funding at international, national and regional levels. At the moment 250 research institutes are accredited and a total of 372 are mapped. In more detail: The QuESTIO system has been created and shaped as a structure for identifying and evaluating the Centres of Research and Technological Transfer (CRTT). The system is designed to: - encourage cohesion among the different innovation actors, building on the visibility of the Centres; - produce a virtuous circle of mechanisms of innovation and improvement of the system of research and technology transfer. The QuESTIO system has been conceived by the Lombardy Region the General Directorate of Craftsmanship, the New Economy, Research and Technological Innovation - which, with the collaboration of the IReR (Regional Institute of Research in Lombardy), has coordinated the working group of the project with the objectives of: - acquiring a more profound mapping of the state of the art of scientific research and technology transfer at all levels on the Lombard territory; - laying down solid bases for the creation of a real network of research and of technological innovation in Lombardy; - equipping itself with the necessary instrumentation to effect innovative and suitable methods for financing research and technology transfer. The system has recently also been extended to wider auxiliary services for research and technology transfer, which has as its objective an increase in the added-value offered by the system and therefore its attractiveness for the stakeholders. According to this approach, the classification distinguishes between core services of R&TT and support and auxiliary services connected to R&TT: - research - technology transfer - support to technology transfer - auxiliary services to R&TT. The QuESTIO system pursues its objectives through the collection, the management and the publication of information related to the actors in the innovation system. Within such a framework, it is designed to serve stakeholders with the double functionality of: - a repertoire of competences, to identify who does what in research and technology transfer, independently of the region of origin; - a system of evaluation of the CRTTs, to understand in a more profound way how they do it. The two functions offer different but complementary perspectives: - The Repertoire function provides consumers with a description of the profile of competences of every single CRTT, allowing the identification of the centres of interest on the basis of specific characteristics and needs. - The System of evaluation function is based on a

39 REGIONAL, SEC TORIAL AND UNIVERSITY-LEVEL INNOVATION SYSTEMS QuESTIO - Quality Evaluation in Science and Technology for Innovation Opportunity, Italy 37 wide range of indicators, mainly of a quantitative type, and allows a comparison of the activities of research and technology transfer of the centres through different tools for data elaboration. The system is special not only in terms of its size (regional/ multi-regional), but especially in relation to its outcomes and its co-operating partners. It has, in fact, been developed for three types of stakeholders/users: 1. the Region, 2. the CRTTS, 3. the Enterprises and their Associations (and, more generally, those consumers who want a better understanding of the capacities of those offering research and technology transfer in one or more regions). The aim of the system is to reduce the informative asymmetries that often hinder collaboration between producers and users of knowledge, and - with the web portal - to manage the great quantity of information related to the individual entities involved in research and technology transfer. Contact: QuESTIO info: question@irer.it tel

40 E U I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S E u r o p e a n R e s e a r c h A r e a ( E R A ) 38 European Commission ERA EU Research Framework Programme Member states, research institutions and other organizations, companies, businesses, European Research Area is an initiative to form a common research area across Europe to create an internal market in research, an area of free movement of knowledge, researchers and technology, with the aim of increasing cooperation, stimulating competition and achieving a better allocation of resources and an improved coordination of national research activities and policies as well as developing a European research policy. The initiative was started in 2000 by the European Commission. The goals of the initiative are - to enable researchers to move, to interact and to benefit from world-class infrastructures and work with excellent networks of research institutions; - to share, teach, value and use knowledge effectively for social, business and policy purposes; - to optimize and open European, national and regional research programmes; - to make more coherent use of public instruments and resources; - to develop strong links with partners around the world so that Europe benefits from the worldwide progress of knowledge, contributes to global development and takes a leading role in international initiatives to solve global issues; - to develop essential critical mass in the major areas of progress in knowledge, in particular to achieve economies of scale, to allocate resources better overall, and to reduce negative externalities due to the insufficient mobility of factors and poor information for operators The ERA concept combines: a European internal market for research, where researchers, technology and knowledge freely circulate; effective European-level coordination of national and regional research activities, programmes and policies; and initiatives implemented and funded at a European level. ERA can reinforce knowledge flows into and out of regions by providing a natural conduit for connecting to firms and research institutions in other countries. Better networked institutions are more able to attract and retain talent.

41 E U I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S E u r o p e a n R e s e a r c h A r e a ( E R A ) 39 ERA webpage: - most of the measures are taken by public authorities; - there is still a great deal of fragmentation, isolation and compartmentalisation of national research efforts and systems and a disparity between different regulatory and administrative systems; - researchers still see career opportunities curtailed by legal and practical barriers hampering their mobility across institutions, sectors and countries; - businesses often find it difficult to cooperate and enter into partnerships with research institutions in Europe, particularly across countries; - the web portal is not available in all EU languages. source: The EU plays the leading role, providing a framework, an environment and assistance, for example, in accentuating and amplifying the initiatives taken independently by the Member States to open up Europe as a party to bilateral cooperation or multilateral initiatives. Member states participate and use the network, as do universities, research institutions, and companies, etc. ERA promotes connectivity and communications between the actors who support, perform and use research. The major weaknesses of this system are: - the principal reference framework for research activities in Europe is still national; The major strengths of this innovation system are: - potential better mobility of researches and the transfer of knowledge from research to enterprise - Era provides structures and mechanisms of exchange of information and experience: working groups, networks of experts and operators - the use of financial and legal instruments (regulations and directives) - the existence of policy coordination instruments. Key innovation features of this system include the very idea of a common EU research area, the mobility of researchers, the connection with businesses and companies, and the

42 E U I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S E u r o p e a n R e s e a r c h A r e a ( E R A ) 40 developed instruments for promoting international cooperation. Transferable aspects of the system are international cooperation and the combination of policy-making, legal and financial mechanisms. ERA opened the research prospect of a Europe of 25 or 30 countries which had not been able to operate with the methods used thus far. ERA provides services such as ERAWATCH, which provides information on European, national and regional research policies, actors, and programmes in the EU and beyond. Currently ERAWATCH covers 43 countries in total: 27 EU Member States, countries associated with the European Community s Research Framework Programme and main trading partners of the EU. However, there has been little success so far in attaining the general goals of the initiative. The web portal is not available in all EU languages and is difficult to navigate. Website: Contact: Use the online form at era/contact_en.cfm

43 E U I N N O V A T I O N S Y S T E M S E u r o p e I N N O V A 41 Sectoral Innovation Watch Cluster Mapping Innovation Panels Innovation Managment Europe INNOVA Forum Europe INNOVA Communications Cluster Networks Financing Networks Standards Networks Europe INNOVA is an initiative of the European Commission s Directorate for General Enterprise and Industry which aspires to become the laboratory for the development and testing of new tools and instruments in support of innovation with the view to help innovative enterprises innovate faster and better. The actions are oriented towards the development and testing of new innovation support services for SMEs, notably start-ups, delivered in the field by public-private partnerships made up of European professionals in innovation. Europe INNOVA was launched in 2006 and was designed to identify and analyse the drivers of and barriers to innovation within specific sectors, to lead to sound and targeted support policy measures. Europe INNOVA builds upon Gate2Growth and PAXIS and further develops the approach of networking innovation players, by combining analytical expertise with grass roots experience. Europe INNOVA brings together more than 300 partners from 23 Member States, and is currently composed of the elements depicted in the diagram. Europe Innova webpage: It brings together public and private innovation support providers such as innovation agencies, technology transfer offices, business incubators, financing intermediaries, cluster organisations and others. Europe INNOVA was designed to identify and analyse the drivers and barriers to innovation within specific sectors, to lead to sound and targeted support policy measures. Its sector-based approach reinforced cooperation between business clusters, finance and standardisation practitioners in Europe through the establishment of networks, i.e. learning platforms for exchanging experiences, good practice and knowledge to better serve SMEs. source: