31. mar. 2026
The Twin Synergies project (May 2024 – April 2026) continues to advance its mission of strengthening the participation of widening countries in European research and innovation programmes, while fostering synergies for the green and digital transition.
As part of this effort, Work Package 5 (WP5) focuses on enhancing governance-level cooperation through structured policy dialogue and cross-fertilization among key stakeholders. Three Cross-Fertilization Workshops—held in Novo mesto, Stuttgart, and online—brought together representatives from academia, public authorities, business support organisations, investors, and the entrepreneurial community.
The workshops addressed critical systemic challenges, including regulatory fragmentation, administrative complexity, and gaps in innovation support across Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). Participants emphasized the need for stronger research commercialisation pathways, improved coordination among innovation actors, and enhanced incentives for academia–industry collaboration.
Each workshop contributed valuable thematic insights. Discussions in Novo mesto focused on EU programme implementation and bridging the research–industry gap. The Stuttgart workshop resulted in three action plans targeting low-carbon technologies, future tourism and heritage, and innovative technology transfer. The online session highlighted the importance of long-term financing and better alignment between research, policy, and market needs in deep tech commercialisation.
These activities represent a significant step toward improving innovation governance across the Danube Region and provide a strong foundation for future policy recommendations and collaborative initiatives.