Synergies for cooperative innovation
An EU-funded project, INCONET EAP (STI International Cooperation Network for Eastern Partnership Countries), consisted of 19 partners covering a broad spectrum of competences. They used a three-fold approach focused on promotion of the EU-EaP STI policy dialogue, enhancement of the participation of EaP researchers in Horizon 2020, and promotion of innovation in EaP countries. Researchers implemented a wide range of activities to strengthen EaP country participation in Horizon 2020. These included: two grant schemes for twinning between EU and EaP research institutes and for individual researchers to attend brokerage events in the EU; a series of info days in the six EaP countries; training and support activities for EaP National Contact Points; and promotion of the participation of EaP countries in co-funding schemes. Bi-regional EU-EaP cooperation in the field of innovation was fostered by supporting cooperation with EU innovation platforms and with the Enterprise Europe Network. Organised trainings on innovation management were also conducted, and the researchers explored extension of the European Innovation Scoreboard to EaP countries. A mapping exercise was implemented to identify STI programmes and projects that addressed EaP countries from 2010. The exercise investigated funding from international, bilateral and national programmes. Besides providing analytical evidence, researchers promoted cooperation in the EU and EaP. Synergies were also fostered between stakeholders in the field of innovation through dedicated workshops. The emphasis was on sharing good practices and transfer of know-how through establishing links. Information management and entrepreneurship was the focus of a training seminar attended by 39 participants from 23 ministries, agencies, academies and universities. Some of the main topics were key innovation topics and definitions, intellectual property rights and financing of innovation. Dissemination and communication activities also included a web portal and project website, providing up-to-date information. Additionally, INCONET EAP held several outreach activities including conferences, workshops, trainings and webinars.
Keywords
Bi-regional, science, technology and innovation, Eastern Partnership, INCONET EAP
