Water Smart Connect

Project Information

Water Smart Connect

Grant agreement ID: 101134869

DOI

10.3030/101134869

Project closed

EC signature date 14 June 2024

Start date 1 June 2024

End date 30 June 2025

Funded under

• European innovation ecosystems

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 499 091,32

Coordinated by

SAVONIA-AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU OY
Finland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Water Smart Connect (Water Smart Connect)

Reporting period: 2024-06-01 to 2025-06-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Water Smart Connect’s primary focus will be to set in motion a process whereby a Water-Smart Society can be realised through recognising the true value of water, and utilising water as an enabler to address cross-sectoral challenges. Building on the work of Water Smart Territories (WST), the project will mobilise a group of actors targeting related technical, market or industrial areas and identifying the potential to significantly transform existing industries, value chains and ecosystems.

The first phase objectives are:
• Mapping the key challenges and capabilities per regional innovation ecosystem (focus on cross-sectoral challenges, gaps and capabilities)
• Defining the priority areas for interregional collaboration opportunities in the context of water smart society between regional innovation ecosystems
• Identifying financing and ecosystem support initiatives, regionally, nationally and EU

Based on the outcomes of the first phase of the project, the subsequent objectives are to:
• Develop the cross regional blueprint for addressing the identified societal water challenges in preparation of the cross-regional action plans
• Identify the required stakeholders to deliver the cross-regional action plans and assign roles and responsibilities
• Define joint multi-annual programmes and actions plan in the short, medium and long term.
• Ensure the long-term sustainability of collaboration between regional innovation ecosystems through effective stakeholder commitment.
• Facilitate the implementation of concrete actions by organising the first interregional networking event
• Actively disseminate an online platform for connecting innovation stakeholders in order to ease implementation of the planned actions. The specific objective of this platform is to: (1) Connect innovators with public and private buyers; (2) Provide innovators with visibility to potential investors and partners; (3) Connect startups and SMEs with universities and research & technology organizations (RTOs).

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project successfully applied the S3-Innovation Model and Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP) to strengthen cross-regional collaboration on water-smart innovation. WP1 ensured effective coordination, partner engagement, and methodological consistency through regular meetings and quality monitoring, enabling smooth project implementation.

In WP2, regional partners analysed their water innovation ecosystems using data, interviews, and Entrepreneurial Discovery Workshops (EDWs). Each region reassessed its Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) priorities, identifying Transformative Activities (TAs) and validating strengths and challenges with stakeholders. Using the S3 Synergy Diamond, regions pinpointed high-potential niches for collaboration. Results were compiled into a Smart Water Regional Ecosystems report, providing the analytical foundation for subsequent action planning.

WP3 translated this analysis into cross-regional collaboration by identifying 57 relevant funding instruments (regional, national, and EU) and six common innovation themes: water reuse and circularity, water quality, climate adaptation, digitalisation, food-water nexus, and cross-sectoral governance. Two cross-regional EDWs (cEDWs) involving over 50 participants refined these priorities and linked them with concrete EU funding calls.

WP4 produced a Joint Action Plan (2025–2028), co-developed by the seven regions, outlining 23 actions across three priority areas: pollution prevention and water quality, climate adaptation, and food-water nexus. The plan includes an implementation roadmap and strategic vision for long-term cooperation, formalised through signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) among partners.

WP5 supported dissemination within the water innovation ecosystem through digital collaboration tools and visual materials, ensuring that the project’s results—particularly the joint action plan—can continue guiding regional and European water innovation beyond the project’s lifetime.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Water Smart Connect advanced cross-regional water innovation by operationalising the S3-Innovation Model to map and connect seven EU water-smart ecosystems. The project delivered a validated methodology combining regional SWOT analyses, Transformative Activity (TA) identification, and cross-regional validation through Entrepreneurial Discovery Workshops. This enabled evidence-based prioritisation of innovation opportunities where regions could lead or benefit collaboratively.

The project identified 69 TAs and six thematic areas—water reuse and circularity, water quality, climate adaptation, digitalisation, food-water nexus, and governance—forming the scientific and strategic foundation for a joint cross-regional action plan. The plan, developed through co-creation with over 200 stakeholders, defines 23 actions that align with the European Water Resilience Strategy (EWRS) objectives: restoring the water cycle, building a water-smart economy, and ensuring access to clean water.

A key breakthrough is the structured integration of S3-based foresight tools (Synergy Diamond) and participatory methods (EDWs, cEDWs) into water innovation governance, establishing a replicable framework for other EU sectors. The approach advances ecosystem-level coordination beyond individual projects, bridging regional RIS frameworks and EU policy implementation.

Maintaining the three working groups (Water-Food Nexus, Water Quality, Climate Adaptation) is essential to continue project impact. Strengthening access to dedicated water-related funding, promoting internationalisation through networks such as Water4All and ECCP, and ensuring policy alignment with EWRS and Green Deal objectives are critical next steps.

Overall, Water Smart Connect produced a validated and improved model for collaborative regional innovation governance, a comprehensive map of EU water-smart capacities, and a joint action plan that lays the foundation for future R&I, investment, and policy coordination across Europe.