The PARTNER Thematic Network January 2002 December 2003

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The PARTNER Thematic Network January 2002
December 2003
Achievements to date

• May 2003

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PARTNER Thematic Network

• Objectives
• Methodological support
• Bi-lateral and mulit-lateral exchange of
  experience and good practice
• Building of lasting co-operation between regions
• Awareness raising for innovation in candidate
  countries
• Tools
• Three Methodological Workshops accompanied by
  Methodological Guides
• Four Focus Groups

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Methodological Workshops Focus Groups

• Three Methodological Workshops
• Clear focus on methodological tools
• One-size-fit-all
• Each accompanied by Methodological Guide
• Opportunity to look at definitions and concepts
• Message adapt methodology to regional
  requirements

• Four Focus Groups
• Opportunity to concentrate on more specific
  issues
• Develop themes with a view to implementation of
  RIS
• Joint project development

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Distinct PARTNER features

• PARTNER Thematic Network slightly different to
  other TNs, since pure network
• Based around 16 RIS-NAC projects currently being
  carried out
• Regions with different backgrounds
• Specific awareness raising mission as TN output
  beyond actual project results

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Results achieved so far

• Awareness raising
• Combination with other NAC-focused events, eg.
  Eurada Central European Congress, Innovation Fair
  in Poznan
• Raised profile of PARTNER/RIS-NAC projects
• Interregional co-operation
• Between RIS-NACs (nationally/transregional)
• Between non-RIS NACs and EU regions

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Results achieved so far Methodological Workshops

• Scheduled to match RIS project cycle
• Preparation phase Consensus building and
  communications strategies
• Analysis phase SME needs analysis and analysing
  the innovation supply
• Turning analysis into action and mainstreaming
  pilot projects
• Results of first two Methodological Workshops
• Clarification of concepts
• Identification of potential obstacles
• Providing focused perspective
• Additional Methodology Clinic scheduled
• One-to-one consultations with RIS experts on
  specific methodological issues arising in the
  analysis phase
• Encouraging mid-term assessment of
  methodological approach chosen

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Results achieved so far Focus Groups

• Four Focus Group topics identified at Kick-off
  conference
• Technology Transfer
• Innovation in Clusters Sectors
• Innovation Culture
• Innovation Finance
• 1st meetings held for all four each preceded by
  discussion paper
• Clusters study visit to France in April resulted
  in prospect of joint cluster project

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mission accomplished, finally found a cluster!
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Main work remaining

• Focus Groups
• Relevant for later parts of RIS project 2nd
  meetings postponed and choice of topics opened up
• 3rd Methodological Workshop and Guide on action
  planning
• Dedicated awareness raising events
• Final conference

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Collaboration with other TNs

• Limited scope so far
• Different starting point of NAC regions
• Too early in RIS-NAC process
• Project funding for non-RIS regions in candidate
  countries unclear
• However, input from other TNs welcome
• Additional Focus Group work towards the end of
  the project cycle (October/November)
• Methodological support section in Newsletter