Swedish programme to deliver regional growth through innovation systems
Vinnova, the Swedish agency for innovation systems, has launched a new programme aimed at stimulating innovation and growth in the regions of Sweden. The initiative, called Vinnväxt, will receive some 40 million euro over ten years, and is part of Vinnova's commitment to stimulate innovation systems by supporting expert environments for research and development (R&D), and by building competitive and dynamic regional networks. Dr. Kaj Klarin, head of programme for Vinnväxt, told CORDIS News: 'Despite Sweden's continued global research leadership, transferring the results of research into innovation and growth is still a weakness. The Vinnväxt programme aims to promote and support regional excellence, and will therefore significantly improve the country's innovation capacity.' Individual initiatives will be selected on the basis of a competitive call for proposals completed in January, and the best may receive up to one million euro every year over a ten year period. More than 50 proposals were submitted in response to the recent call. The concept behind the programme is the promotion of effective cooperation between companies, R&D organisations and political institutions, the so-called triple helix within each region. In this way, long lasting innovation systems will be put in place that allow regions to be internationally competitive within specific areas of growth. Those initiatives selected for funding will get underway from July, and in addition to co-financing the systems, Vinnova will be organising a number of other support activities such as: - seminars for communicating concepts and ideas; - analysis and process support for the planning and implementation of projects; - training for innovation system participants and facilitators; - active learning; - forums for the exchange of experiences. The programme planning phase has included the implementation of pilot projects in five different regions on a variety of innovation themes. These were intended as a learning experience for all those involved in the programme, and led to the identification of a number of success factors for the programme. Among the factors identified as being central to the success of the Vinnväxt programme are the existence of strong regional leadership, the development of robust research and innovation environments, and strong commitment on the part of participating organisations. Alongside those proposals which are selected by Vinnova for co-financing, Dr Klarin is sure that many which are not will nevertheless be implemented. This fact, he says, shows that 'the key element of the programme is not the funding on offer, but the very process of devising regional systems of innovation.'
Kraje
Sweden