18. dec. 2025
Twin Synergies: Empowering Competence Through Training and
Coaching
In 2025, Twin Synergies reached an important milestone: the successful completion of its Training and Coaching Program under Work Package 3. This initiative was designed to strengthen competitiveness and innovation capacities among partner organisations by accelerating the adoption of transferable skills essential for participation in European research and innovation programs.
The program was developed using a tailored methodology that addressed the evolving challenges faced by organisations in an increasingly complex research and innovation landscape. It combined two complementary measures. The first focused on proposal writing for EU funding programs, providing hands-on experience in developing and managing Horizon Europe and other EU projects. These sessions equipped participants with the
knowledge and skills needed to successfully navigate the competitive environment of European funding. The second measure consisted of personalised coaching aimed at building innovation and technology transfer skills, with a strong emphasis on innovation management, business internationalisation, and strategic communication. This dual approach ensured that organisations not only learned how to prepare competitive proposals but also developed strategic capabilities to thrive in international networks.
Throughout 2025, the program unfolded across three countries and seven distinct sessions with more than 250 participants. Four training sessions took participants from Ostrava (December 2024) to Zagreb (April 2025) and then to Novo Mesto (July 2025), with each location offering different perspectives on regional innovation ecosystems. The coaching strand ran parallel: Innovation Management kicked off with over 30 participants working
through real organisational challenges, from structuring innovation processes to assessing technology readiness. Business Internationalisation and Strategic Communication followed, providing teams with practical frameworks for expanding beyond their home markets and refining their approach to presenting their work to funders and stakeholders.
The numbers tell part of the story. Over 85% of participants reported increased motivation to engage in EU project development, and more than 65% noted improved competence in proposal writing, innovation management, and business internationalization.
Participants from universities, regional development agencies, and innovation offices came together, learned from one another, and then applied that knowledge to drive change. The result of these joint efforts: 12 new project proposals planned and submitted to Horizon Europe and other EU funding programs.
What This Means Going Forward
Capacity building programs often end with a report and, hopefully, a sense of
accomplishment. The organisations involved now have sharper proposal writing skills, but they have also increased strategic knowledge, the ability to position themselves internationally,
communicate impact effectively, and think systematically about innovation management.
There is still work ahead. The Green and Digital transition demands continuous adaptation, and European funding mechanisms keep evolving. However, Twin Synergies has established a foundation that can support this ongoing work. By connecting Cohesion policy investments with Horizon Europe participation, the project addresses a persistent challenge: helping
Widening regions not just access funding, but also compete successfully for it. The 2025 program demonstrated that this approach works.
Picture 1: Participants – First Training on Proposal Writing in Ostrava, CZ, 03.12.202
Picture 2: Participants – Second Training on Proposal Writing in Zagreb, Croatia, 08.- 09.04.2025
Picture 3: Participants – Third Training on Proposal Writing in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, 02.07.2025