10. dec. 2025
Twin Synergies – 2025 Year in Review
A Year of Learning, Connection, and Strengthened Innovation Capacity
The year 2025 has been a vibrant and productive period for the Twin Synergies project. As the consortium moved further into its mission of supporting Widening countries in the green and digital transition, this year brought together partners, professionals, and regional actors for a series of meaningful learning experiences and collaborative exchanges.
From hands-on coaching to high-engagement trainings, the project strengthened skills, built connections, and generated real momentum across Europe’s research and innovation ecosystems.
⭐ Capacity Building: Strengthening Skills Across Borders
This year marked the continuation of the project’s structured capacity building programme, a core element designed to support organisations in developing competitive Horizon Europe proposals and deepening their understanding of R&I processes.
The three-part training journey unfolded through:
a successful first session in Ostrava in December 2024,
the second training held in April 2025 in Zagreb,
and the final session delivered in July 2025 in Novo Mesto.
Each event brought together participants from multiple countries, creating spaces where professionals could learn from one another, exchange experiences, and refine their project development skills. The combination of theory, practical exercises, and peer interaction proved especially valuable for institutions eager to strengthen their EU engagement.
⭐ Coaching Programme: Practical Guidance for Real Innovation Challenges
Alongside the training series, the coaching programme offered targeted, hands-on support that helped organisations improve internal processes and sharpen their strategic orientation.
The first coaching session on Innovation Management welcomed over 30 participants and focused on topics such as:
structuring innovation processes,
understanding innovation ecosystems,
and improving organisational readiness for technology uptake.
The learning environment encouraged reflection and practical application, leaving participants with actionable insights they could directly implement in their institutions.
Throughout 2025, additional coaching sessions covered Business Internationalisation and Strategic Communication, expanding the programme’s reach and relevance. These sessions supported organisations in broadening their international outlook and improving how they communicate their research, ideas, and impact.
⭐ A Strong Year for Collaboration and Engagement
A clear theme throughout 2025 has been the growing engagement within the Twin Synergies community. High participation levels in coaching sessions, strong attendance at in-person training events, and active collaboration among partners demonstrated the project’s increasing influence and resonance across the participating regions.
Universities, regional development agencies, innovation offices, and other actors joined together throughout the year to share experiences, build skills, and strengthen the foundations for long-term cooperation.
⭐ Connecting Insights From Three Countries
With trainings delivered in Ostrava, Zagreb, and Novo Mesto, the project brought its activities directly to different regional environments. This geographic spread allowed participants to gain insight into diverse institutional contexts and innovation ecosystems while reinforcing
the cross-border spirit at the heart of Twin Synergies.
The movement between countries strengthened relationships, improved knowledge transfer, and supported the emergence of a shared community of practice committed to raising R&I excellence in Widening countries.
⭐ Conclusion: 2025 as a Transformative Milestone
Looking back, 2025 stands out as a year filled with learning, meaningful exchanges, and concrete progress. Through its trainings, coaching sessions, and collaborative activities, Twin Synergies has helped organisations enhance their competencies, expand their networks, and approach the European R&I landscape with greater confidence and capability.
The achievements of this year reflect the project’s core purpose: empowering people and institutions to participate fully in Europe’s innovation future and to contribute to a more inclusive, sustainable, and digitally capable Union.