Periodic Reporting for period 1 - COOPERATE (COOrdinating and Piloting actions towards ERA-hubs as inTer- and intra-regional Ecosystems for knowledge production)
Reporting period: 2023-01-01 to 2023-12-31
COOPERATE is a Horizon Europe project that aims to develop and pilot the ERA Hub concept, hence implementing the first steps of the ERA Policy Action 15. Drawing on the successful experiences of the EuroTech Universities Alliance and their R&I ecosystems, the aim is to create a methodology to support the creation and development of ERA Hubs and to set the basis for the creation of a pan-European network of ERA Hubs.
The COOPERATE project consortium is composed of 7 partners:
• 3 well-renowned Universities (Eindhoven University of Technology - TU/e in The Netherlands), the Technical University of Denmark - DTU, and the Czech Technical University in Prague) which are driving their local R&I ecosystems and create the link with the Eurotech Alliance;
• 2 innovation consultancies (IDEA Consult in Belgium, STAM in Italy), one specialising on impact assessment and policy strategies for innovation programmes working with all actors from the quadruple helix throughout the whole value-chain (IDEA) and one innovation management firm (STAM) providing advanced solutions for university and knowledge-based ecosystems including Open Innovation collaborative platforms and digital tools for community management; and
• 2 well established R&I ecosystems (Brainport Development in the Netherlands and Science City Lyngby in Denmark) which are centred around TU/e and DTU respectively and are among the top performers at EU level.
COOPERATE will develop with the support of representatives from diverse ecosystems, disciplines, and lines of action:
- a clear definition and governance strategies for the ERA Hub concept, which focuses on addressing challenges and creating sustainable knowledge ecosystems, and
- a methodology to support the development and strengthening of R&I ecosystems across sectors and disciplines. The methodology involves assessing ecosystem strengths and weaknesses, identifying relevant stakeholders, co-designing a common vision and strategy, and creating an action plan for growth.
The COOPERATE project consortium is composed of 7 partners:
• 3 well-renowned Universities (Eindhoven University of Technology - TU/e in The Netherlands), the Technical University of Denmark - DTU, and the Czech Technical University in Prague) which are driving their local R&I ecosystems and create the link with the Eurotech Alliance;
• 2 innovation consultancies (IDEA Consult in Belgium, STAM in Italy), one specialising on impact assessment and policy strategies for innovation programmes working with all actors from the quadruple helix throughout the whole value-chain (IDEA) and one innovation management firm (STAM) providing advanced solutions for university and knowledge-based ecosystems including Open Innovation collaborative platforms and digital tools for community management; and
• 2 well established R&I ecosystems (Brainport Development in the Netherlands and Science City Lyngby in Denmark) which are centred around TU/e and DTU respectively and are among the top performers at EU level.
COOPERATE will develop with the support of representatives from diverse ecosystems, disciplines, and lines of action:
- a clear definition and governance strategies for the ERA Hub concept, which focuses on addressing challenges and creating sustainable knowledge ecosystems, and
- a methodology to support the development and strengthening of R&I ecosystems across sectors and disciplines. The methodology involves assessing ecosystem strengths and weaknesses, identifying relevant stakeholders, co-designing a common vision and strategy, and creating an action plan for growth.
The ERA Hub Framework and KPIs aims to foster inter-regional collaboration and robust Research and Innovation (R&I) ecosystems within the European Research Area (ERA). The framework incorporates a dynamic and iterative process approach, aligned with the project's overall strategy. It includes the Co-Design Task Force (CDTF), which brings together diverse stakeholders to co-create the ERA Hub model through workshops and activities.
The Playbook and Toolbox provide guidance and facilitation methodology for ecosystems to become ERA Hubs, offering evidence-based tools and materials. The Platform and compliance criteria support the process of becoming an ERA Hub and connects stakeholders. Based on an interactive self-assessment, conceived as a proactive instrument to engage place-based innovation, the maturity level of an ecosystem is identified. According to the results, specific tools from the Toolbox and guidance from the Playbook are suggested, aiming at a further ecosystem’s implementation.
The ERA-Hub model is being assessed and validated through a pilot approach. This pilot, conducted in two phases, has commenced in the Czech Republic, followed by the Dutch and Danish ecosystems focusing on the interregional dimension. The Czech pilot focuses on understanding the current ecosystem, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) . Feedback from these pilots will inform the design of the Playbook and Toolbox.
During the second phase of the piloting, a Call for Champions will be initiated to involve two additional ecosystems. The two ecosystems selected through this process will commence their activities in the summer of 2024. Interviews and workshops will contribute to the development of a revised ERA Hub model, culminating in its final release within the Playbook, Toolbox, and Platform.
A monitoring framework for the ERA-Hubs concept and policy recommendations are proposed as a result and culmination of the on-the-ground piloting experiences. The status of the monitoring framework will be shared in two events with EU Member States (MS) and regions after each piloting phase. Insights on the policy recommendations will be available in a White Book, taking into consideration dimensions such as R&I ecosystem capacity building, knowledge sharing in ecosystems, connecting start-ups and scale-ups to markets, expanding local ecosystems, talent mobility, and related planning on local infrastructures and living labs, among others.
The Playbook and Toolbox provide guidance and facilitation methodology for ecosystems to become ERA Hubs, offering evidence-based tools and materials. The Platform and compliance criteria support the process of becoming an ERA Hub and connects stakeholders. Based on an interactive self-assessment, conceived as a proactive instrument to engage place-based innovation, the maturity level of an ecosystem is identified. According to the results, specific tools from the Toolbox and guidance from the Playbook are suggested, aiming at a further ecosystem’s implementation.
The ERA-Hub model is being assessed and validated through a pilot approach. This pilot, conducted in two phases, has commenced in the Czech Republic, followed by the Dutch and Danish ecosystems focusing on the interregional dimension. The Czech pilot focuses on understanding the current ecosystem, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) . Feedback from these pilots will inform the design of the Playbook and Toolbox.
During the second phase of the piloting, a Call for Champions will be initiated to involve two additional ecosystems. The two ecosystems selected through this process will commence their activities in the summer of 2024. Interviews and workshops will contribute to the development of a revised ERA Hub model, culminating in its final release within the Playbook, Toolbox, and Platform.
A monitoring framework for the ERA-Hubs concept and policy recommendations are proposed as a result and culmination of the on-the-ground piloting experiences. The status of the monitoring framework will be shared in two events with EU Member States (MS) and regions after each piloting phase. Insights on the policy recommendations will be available in a White Book, taking into consideration dimensions such as R&I ecosystem capacity building, knowledge sharing in ecosystems, connecting start-ups and scale-ups to markets, expanding local ecosystems, talent mobility, and related planning on local infrastructures and living labs, among others.
The active engagement of the COOPERATE partners has led to positive impact, including:
• Testing the ERA Hub model in different geographic areas.
• Connecting relevant stakeholders, such as those within the EuroTech Alliance.
• Engaging with national/local bodies to stimulate innovation policies.
• Facilitating knowledge transfer.
• Favouring new collaborations.
Benefiting from co-creation sessions, the Playbook and Toolbox have been tested, enabling knowledge-sharing and fostering quadruple helix engagement. This has led to developing the concept of ERA Hub, taking into account various European geographic areas. Additionally, active participation in international conferences, including the “World Open Innovation Conference,” positions the COOPERATE project in an innovative global context, impacting a wide range of stakeholders across Europe and beyond.
Besides, the creation of a digital ERA Hub platform enhances stakeholder connections and enables users to self-assess their ecosystem maturity level against compliance criteria. The platform’s added value lies in facilitating the implementation process for ERA Hubs, supporting ecosystems at various stages (emerging, mature, or advanced) and engaging with relevant players in the helix.
• Testing the ERA Hub model in different geographic areas.
• Connecting relevant stakeholders, such as those within the EuroTech Alliance.
• Engaging with national/local bodies to stimulate innovation policies.
• Facilitating knowledge transfer.
• Favouring new collaborations.
Benefiting from co-creation sessions, the Playbook and Toolbox have been tested, enabling knowledge-sharing and fostering quadruple helix engagement. This has led to developing the concept of ERA Hub, taking into account various European geographic areas. Additionally, active participation in international conferences, including the “World Open Innovation Conference,” positions the COOPERATE project in an innovative global context, impacting a wide range of stakeholders across Europe and beyond.
Besides, the creation of a digital ERA Hub platform enhances stakeholder connections and enables users to self-assess their ecosystem maturity level against compliance criteria. The platform’s added value lies in facilitating the implementation process for ERA Hubs, supporting ecosystems at various stages (emerging, mature, or advanced) and engaging with relevant players in the helix.