Work Package T2 – Synergise. Latest update.

Output 1 is related to planning of strategic documents of connected DIH network gathered around common interests with aim to promote RIS3 Excellence. Joint strategy and Action plans created within this output consist of 10 Transnational Action Plans, each belonging to  a Navigation Crew (NC) and 10 regional DIH concepts for Central European Research and Innovation Smart Specialisation Strategies Excellence (CERIS3 Excellence). Relevance and effectiveness of strategy and action plans proved to be of utmost importance, especially for WP T2 where the main objective is to synergize the knowledge and experiences of the project participating countries. The joint strategy, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation, strengthened interactions between business sector, institutional actors and regional authorities while DIH developed in each region serves as a connector that accelerates the processes of digital transformation. 

Output 2 consists of implementation of planned Pilot Actions. The first Pilot Action represents model whereby each project partner connects regional DIH and RIS3 relevant regional stakeholders to S3HubsinCE project in order to generate a long-lasting base structure through which the partners and their stakeholders promote RIS3 Excellence. 

Two further sets of support Pilot Actions relate to Training and Mobility activities and to Transfer and Cooperation actions. In total, 73 support actions (35 Training&Mobility and 38 Transfer&Cooperation Actions) were implemented by project partners with focus on training and aligning stakeholders with RIS3 Excellence and developing new projects to generate closer-to-market, value-creation opportunities for RIS3 organisations. 

All ten Navigation Crews have facilitated the development of support actions oriented to the specified thematic topic of the Crew. The Navigation Crew Action Plans were transferred to a digital tool ASANA to keep close relationships with relevant RIS3 and DIHs related projects and initiatives. Moreover, a transnational cooperation within European DIH ecosystem is enhanced in frame of DIHNET.eu initiative where  Transnational space S3HubsinCE is established as an additional tool which allow Navigation Crews to extend stakeholders` base and better promote transnational cooperation.

Implemented Pilot Actions were assessed by evaluators as very effective in sharing knowledge, experiences and generating value on the thematic technology areas carried out by ten Navigation Crews. Pilot actions were also assessed as an opportunity to gather institutions and companies from the same sector and raise awareness and level of understanding digital transformation. Especially, entrepreneurs should be aware of importance of digital transformation process and potential failure in steps connected to digitalisation. 

The success of DIH depends on design of services and connection to regional needs, preferably in a synergetic way in transnational cooperation. Linkages and strategic collaboration derived from pilot actions are beneficial for concrete opportunities for cooperation within DIHs & EDIHs network and project target groups across Central Europe. Understanding the specific characteristics of DIHs coming from partner regions and the catalogue of best practices presented by individual DIHs could enable the search for synergies in activities in the new financial perspective and strengthen the building of direct partnerships between companies. Therefore, service portfolio of DIHs is a must have.  

Support Pilot Actions implemented in WP T2 are very relevant for efficiency of transnational network of DIH if synergy with other S3 related initiatives can be revealed and this is possible only if regional key stakeholders are identified and directly involved in pilot actions.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, a virtual approach was used for the implementation of mobilities and all communication during WP T2 enabling the achievement of the expected goals, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and exchange of innovative practices. 

WP T2 Evaluators` recommendations summary:

  • targeted quality business trainings for digital transformation
  • identification and direct involvement of relevant SMEs stakeholders
  • designing solutions for DIH services based on users feed-back
  • DIHs specialisation and cataloguing of services to achieve transnational synergy
  • achieving synergy within DIHs & EDIH network
  • identification of EU funding opportunities for business sector
  • alignment with existing regional/national strategies and plans


Author: WPT2 Leader