Normandy Region wishes to contribute to the current challenges and transitions (changes in climate balances, loss of biodiversity, potential crises at the health, economic and social levels,..) and to build the solutions of tomorrow, in line with the characteristics of its territory, its specificities and its strengths in terms of innovation. Its new Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialization (RIS3) 2021-2027 focuses on three issues:
• Sustaining and developing industrial activity in Normandy
• Making the green and energy transition a success
• Improving the well-being of citizens and the resilience of the territory
To address these three issues, six areas of specialization (with one transversal “digital”) have been defined:
Area #1. Preserving and sustainably transforming agricultural, marine, forestry and production systems
Area #2. Develop an energy mix towards zero carbon emissions
Area #3. Transforming processes for a high-performance, sustainable and digital industry
Area #4. Develop new low-carbon mobility solutions that are efficient and secure
Area #5. Accelerating synergies and innovation in the service of human and animal 5P medicine
Area #6. Make Normandy a resilient territory by mastering technological, natural, health and social risks
In addition to these areas in line with EU priorities and the future Horizon Europe programme, the Normandy Region has identified two main challenges to strengthen the research capacity and international influence of the region:
• To consolidate international attractiveness for leaders in research and innovation;
• To strengthen intersectoral mobility, research valorisation and career development of researchers.
The program will enhance the fellows’ potential and future career perspectives by allowing them to develop a more sophisticated set of knowledge, skills and attitudes. The Normandy Region will give full training support to engaged fellows in order to acquire the key competences for the future.
From the regional and organisational level, dissemination of best practices in advertising calls, recruiting and welcoming fellows, providing excellent work and living conditions, supporting training and career development will have a major impact on Normandy Region human resources implementation. Developing high standard for interdisciplinary, intersectoral and international training and career guidance, WINNINGNormandy will contribute to raise the level of education and training in all organisations directly or indirectly involved in the project.
WINNINGNormandy will promote scientific excellence throughout the Normandy Region and beyond by following the recommendations of European Charter and Code for Researchers in terms of research excellence, attractive institutional environment, interdisciplinary, exposure to different employment sectors, international networking, and ethics. Interactions between business and industries will be further facilitated increasing the positive impacts on competitiveness and sustainable development in the region. Finally, the outreach activities implemented will bring scientific issues to general public and develop interactions between fellows and citizen.
At international level, it is expected that there will be a truly leverage effect of regional financial support to increase the international attractiveness of the region, and collaborations with European universities.