e-Newsletter 5 - ACCESS

AUGUST 2012

CONTENT

INTRODUCTION

1. ABOUT PEER REVIEW METHODOLOGY IN GENERAL AND CONCLUSIONS (CNA ER)

2. PEER REVIEWERS „ON FIELD EXPERIENCES“FROM INTERVIEWS

3. SWOT FINDINGS IN 3 SECTORS AND BEST PRACTICES

4. KEY EVENTS DURING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT

5. NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

Dear reader,

It is ACCESS Newsletter time and getting closer to the end of project, we have more and more concrete materials

and knowledge to share with you. This addition focuses on Peer review Methodology, “on field” implementation,

and outputs from this pretty active periode of the project. Project partners’ peer reviewers as well as external

experts went to analyze sectors selected – each partner in sector hosted other partners’ peers in his own country

and from that a lot of experience and information was obtained which resulted in reports and SWOT analysis for

participating countries. Those outputs are materials for partners to implement in strategic action plans for

stakeholders and pilot hosting regions. Also in this edition you will find upcomming events as always related to

sectors investigated.

Again we hope to provide you interesting reading in this particular edition - for more information please browse the

official website (www.cetntral-access.eu ) or send us email with either question or suggestion. We are looking for

your feed-back and will do our best to provide you competent answers.. Enjoy the reading .

1. ABOUT PEER REVIEW METHODOLOGY IN GENERAL AND CONCLUSIONS (CNA ER)

At the basis of ACCESS lies the Peer Review Methodology, that allows to obtain a clear and objective analysis of the

situation due to the external point of view, objective and experienced, of the peers who visited the examined

region. It helps regions to improve their innovation policies by drawing upon best practice developed by other

European regions.

In the last months - from September 2011 to April 2012 - the peers of the Project, divided into 3 sectorial groups,

conducted the Peer Reviews in the following dates and places:

FOOD SECTOR

• 26 – 30 September 2011 Bologna, Italy

• 14 - 18 November 2011 Pécs, Hungary

• 23 – 27 January 2012 Ljubljana - Murska Sobota,Slovenia

MECHATRONICS SECTOR

• 10 - 14 October 2011 Badem Württemberg, Germany

• 21 - 25 November 2011 Upper Austria, Austria

• 12 - 16 March 2012 Bielsko Biala, Poland

• 16 - 20 April 2012 Presov, Slovakia

BIOTECH SECTOR

• 26 - 30 September 2011 Budapest, Hungary

• 28 Nov – 2 Dec 2011 Prague, Czech Republic

• 23 - 27 January 2012 Trieste, Italy

In every peer week a team of 4-6 innovation experts from other European regions visited each host region for a

week. These experts possessed comprehensive and high-quality expertise related to innovation and sectoral issues.

During the visit, the peer review team had face-to-face meetings with a wide range of stakeholders from the host

region. The aim of these meetings were to find out what they considered as the most effective ways used by the

regional authority to manage the innovation system and what they thought could be improved. Meetings were held

with regional authority, universities and businesses, and site visits have been organised throughout the host

regions.

The final aim of the visits was to identify strengths and weaknesses in

the region’s innovation management and to make specific recommendations for improving policy design and

delivery. The Peer Review helped to better understand how sector-based innovation is currently approached and

tackled by the region and what can be done to make improvements.

After the visits, the peer review team analysed all the information that they have collected and prepared a

comprehensive report analysing the region’s innovation system policies.

The ACCESS partnership has made improvements to the methodology based on the experience in the field. The

methodology has become more efficient, streamlined and calibrated on the cross-cutting theme of innovation.

2. PEER REVIEWERS „ON FIELD EXPERIENCES“ FROM INTERVIEWS

Sectoral Group in Mechatronics

AB: “The interviewees were selected due to the triple helix structure. The stakeholders were classified into

following levels: Government, Public Administration, Institutions and Associations, Research and Development

Agencies, Educational Bodies, Companies. This classification was suggested by the sector group leader. It was tried

to keep a balance of stakeholders from different levels for the interviews.”

DS: “The peer review was most useful because it showed the wide spectrum of region economy and region research

network. The peers learnt a lot about SMEs operations and their connections with research networks.”

AB: “Findings of peer review seems to be very relevant for the representatives of regional government.

Dissemination of outcomes to the policy makers would be very beneficial for the region. Moreover interviewees

were informed that there are several different initiatives that support SMEs and transfer of innovation.”

DM: “A wide range of local stakeholders including industry, R&D, education, intermediates and policy makers were

involved in the different discussions. Discussing the situation, as it is seen by each individual stakeholder, raises

awareness and sometimes leads to admittance of potential for improvements.”

Sectoral Group in Agro-food sector

AK: “PR methodology is a powerful tool –

through interviews with stakeholders in whole sector chain we got insight status of a sector, we linked different

actors in chain by disseminating observations, we saw stakeholders starting to think “out of box”, and last but not

least, we made long term cooperation basis among competent actors, who showed interest to take active role in

contributing to strategic approach of the sectoral innovation, up-to the regulators” – just amazing what a result we

can get with such a tool”.

BZ: “After interviews conducted, we saw that a selection of interviewees (predefined target groups) was

appropriate: we learned a lot about the situation in the whole sector, current status and issues of individual actors

in system. International PR teams enabled interviewees to be open and that made work of PR teams even more

competent. Based upon such a real data from the field, it was easier to see the situation in the sector and to make

the SWOT analysis and give hosting regions better recommendations. Also as a host region, our institution got link

to national regulators to take part in an expert group to assist forming new priorities (later even concrete measures)

of support for the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, which are related to innovation, particularly in Rural

Development schemes.”

Sectoral Group in Biotech sector - Friuli Venezia Giulia Region CB: “The innovation system in Friuli Venezia Giulia seems to have developed, in both the entrepreneurial and the

scientific sector, according to specialization criteria. The institutions are well interconnected. Within this network

the AREA Science Park plays a fundamental role in supporting and managing the agents involved. There is a very

high percentage of foreigners in the Region. This is due not only to the quality of the research, but also to the

presence of an excellent service for promoting international mobility, such as the Welcome Office. Moreover, in the

field of technological transfer for small and medium industries, a method has been consolidated and successfully

experimented over the years which may be taken as an example.”

3. SWOT FINDINGS IN 3 SECTORS AND BEST PRACTICES

AGRO-FOOD SECTOR

The agro-food sector group implemented peer reviews in Emilia-Romagna, South-Transdanubia and

Pomurje/Slovenia regions. During the three one-week long peer reviews the peers met around 80 representatives

of more than 50 regional stakeholder organisations according to the triple-helix model of regional innovation

systems: CEO-s, marketing and technology managers of agro-food companies, as well as experts from academia and

government discussed characteristics, strengths and challenges of agro-food innovation from

different point of views.

Comparing the 3 regions Emilia-Romagna has the biggest and strongest agro-food sector with internationally well-

known products and high quality standards. 32 certified PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) products come from

the region, among them some worldwide known brands like Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciuto di Parma or Aceto

balsamico di Modena. South Transdanubia and Pomurje are both significantly smaller regions with similar

characteristics of the agro-food sector in terms of structural problems, less developed entrepreneurial culture and

the heritage from the socialist system. However in both regions the agro-food sector has long tradition, it is

important in the regional economic structure and there are high quality regional food products (e.g. wine,

traditional sausage / meat products, mountain cheese, or pumpkin oil, bakery, diary), which can

serve as basis of the innovation-oriented development of the sector.

The main general findings of the peer reviews were the following:

1. The agro-food sector is specifically characterised by micro- and small companies, which need specific support

measures and policies. They are rather hidden within the European “SME” framework and their special needs are

not considered. The role and sufficient competencies of regional intermediaries (associations, innovation support

organisations, technology parks) is very important in this context.

2. The support policies targeting the agro-food sector are divided due the traditional economic framework and the

divided European support policies (CAP and Regional Development). However the successful innovation

development of the sector needs coordinated support measures considering the whole value chain from farm to

fork. Coordinated support policies creating synergies among agriculture and the food industry are needed.

3. Vertical and horizontal cooperation is a key issue in the success of the agro-food sector increasing visibility and

achieving the critical mass of the micro- and small size companies. This ensures better market access and promotes

the knowledge and technology transfer, so supporting cluster initiatives is very important in the sector. The good

practice of cooperatives from Emilia-Romagna serve as example to follow in this field.

4. The agro-food sector is considered as low-tech sector by policy makers. However research and technology

transfer is essential in order to produce high quality, safe and high added value products. Special support

measures can help companies to create in-house capacities or to provide access to high quality research services to

support their product development. The promotion of technology transfer and triple-helix partnership is necessary

for the sector-based innovation development. The intermediary organisations should have important role in

motivating the cooperation of the business and research institutions. Identified good practices in this field are the

Regional High Technology Network and the SPINNER programme in Emilia-Romagna.

MECHATRONICS

Baden Würtemberg

Within the Mechatronics sector this was the first peer review week. As it was the first experience of implementing

the peer review methodology, it was quite challenging. The group was able to get a lot of contacts to different

interview partners covering the stakeholder list from BW region. The expectations about the innovative standard in

BW for the whole group had been very high, clearly caused by the strong and traditional industrial success and as

BW is one of the strongest regions in Germany and Europe in general. After one week´s impressions these

expectations have been really fulfilled.

The structure of scientific centres is well developed. Another feature is the various frameworks for joint R&D

activities which are established and utilized a lot. Also, there is a lot of support to the SME sector by funding tools

on a regional level and which are simple to apply for the applicants. Openness to support

really new topics, thus good support of entrepreneurship

is characterizing the regional innovation system. Besides officially supported networks a tight network of personal

exchange is responsible for good communication between industry, education and R&D. To create the future

qualified staff, an entrepreneurial approach towards training kids in technical fields can be identified in different

areas. As there are a lot of activities by different institutional actors, it is recommended to coordinate all these

activities by a general management or structuring them along a regional innovation strategy.

Upper Austria The methodology was still enhanced after gaining experience in BW. It was extremely helpful to use

both MC premises as well as organization resources. The group was able to get a lot of contacts to different

interview partners covering the stakeholder list from UA region.

Upper Austria has a clear strategy. The focus on innovation and mechatronic sector is present in the strategy. The

outstanding feature of the region is well established network of supporting institutions like UAR, which are acting

in-line with the strategy and what is more there is a complementary vast informal network of personal connections.

The Johannes Kepler University plays the very important role within the innovation system. The results of effective

entrepreneurial approach to innovations can be seen just to name the spin-offs initiatives which are operating very

well. What is worth mentioning is that the initiatives of promoting sector and technology to general public takes

place.

The general impression is that there is plenty of different activities and initiatives both formal and informal in the

region and what‘s more they are to some extend coordinated. The second impression is that the region fosters the

innovations.

So Upper Austria is the region with great potential of growth especially taking into account the mechatronics sector.

It is also very innovation oriented with noticeable share of spin-offs companies in the sector. The well-designed

balanced strategy plays an important role in the development of the sector. The impressive network of effective

supporting institutions (including Mechatronic Cluster) doing their job very well is also the key factor in the process

of sector growth and development.

However few threats and challenges can be named, they are: lack of multinational human resources, relying mostly

on state subsidising when it comes to fostering the innovations.

Bielsko-Biala

Within the Mechatronics sector this was the third peer review week. As it was not the first experience of

implementing the peer review methodology, it was quite challenging, especially because of 2 new external peers

and different region with different habits and potential.

During the peer review week we had visited and interviewed 11 interesting local and regional actors acting in

private and public sector. Also we had possibility to visit and to see big regional companies “brewery Zywiec” and

“Fiat Auto Poland”. The group of foreign experts was able to get a lot of contacts to different interview partners

covering the stakeholder list from Katowice and Bielsko-Biala district.

In the Upper Silesia region there are mainly SMEs privately held (ca. 96%). There is also a group of SMEs

concentrated on high technology products and actively doing R&D performance. In generally most of privately held

companies operate in the service sector (nearly 80%) and other privately held companies operate in the Industry

and construction/building sector.

The coverage of the Upper Silesia area with communication network infrastructure is not uniform. Most of the

private sector companies are opened to innovations.

The key factors of the competitiveness of a region are: an efficient infrastructure, the education system, research

and innovation system and also culture of the region. The mentioned factors are taken into account in the “Strategy

of Development of the Silesian Voivodship 2000-2020”. Among others the three strategic areas are defined in the

strategy: high level of education well developed infrastructure, innovative and competitive economy. Also another

very important document exists. Regional Innovation Strategy for Upper Silesia, which was elaborated by Katowice

Marshal Office, creates the conditions and strategies for innovative Smart Specialized region.

Also, there is a lot of support to the SME sector by funding tools on a regional level and which are simple to apply

for the applicants. A lot of banks and private financial institution operate in the region. They offer financial services

to the entrepreneurs. There are also venture capitals institutions. The supporting agencies (GAPP, ARRSA) are

offering assistance in an access to the government or EU funds focusing of strengthening competitiveness and

supporting innovations.

Besides officially supported networks a tight network of personal exchange is responsible for good communication

between industry, education and R&D. To create the future qualified staff, an entrepreneurial approach towards

training kids and adults in technical fields can be identified in different areas.

As there are a lot of activities by different institutional actors, it is recommended to coordinate all these activities by

a general management or structuring them along a regional innovation strategy.

Presov

The Presov self-governing region PSGR is the largest and most populated region in Slovakia.

It is characterized by a mix of industry and agriculture. There is

a lack of heavy industry and it has the lowest rate of straight foreign investments in the country and one of the

lowest GDP in the EU. Most of the businesses are small enterprises with less than 19 employees (92,78%). Beside

the Regional Innovation Strategy of PSGR which was approved in 2008 two other important regional strategies do

exist: The Slovakia-East Develpment Plan and the Social and economic development programme of PSGR for the

years 2008-2015.

The market for venture capital is not very well developed in the region but there are some banks and institutions

which offer guarantees and loans to SMEs like the Slovak Guarantee and Development Bank, the Microloan

Programme, the Agency for research and development support and the Initial Capital Fund.

The key institutions in the field of SME development are:

The National agency for SME development

Presov regional chamber of SCCI

Slovak investment and trade development agency SARIO

Slovak trade chamber

Regional advisory and information centre Presov, Poprad

Centre of first contact Levoca

In respect of technology transfer there are already good efforts to build up the hard infrastructure: An Innovation

Partnership Centre was established with Norwegian grants. In 2011 the project ended but follow-up activities,

dealing with the implementation of the elaborated tools, require new subsidies.

BIOTECHNOLOGY Budapest In Central Hungary the ACCESS project will establish an international cluster of biotechnology. To prepare for this

purpose a series of multi-day audit was held with the project partners from the Czech Republic and Italy along with

their external experts between September 26 and 29 2011.

In the framework of so-called “peer review” local government and administrative actors, university and private

research institutes, innovation and technology intermediary organizations, venture capital investors and companies

and enterprises were visited by the specialists. As well as an opening and a closing workshop has been added.

The survey examined practical application of innovation strategy, strengths and weaknesses of cooperation

between research institutes and private enterprises, forms of communication, knowledge and technology transfer

functions and the social impact of all this.

The preliminary findings of experts concluded that in the field of biotechnology Hungary has a strong research base.

This applies to both university and academic research institutions, as well as the rapidly developing private

companies in industry. The experts found that the project is planned under international cluster will help

researchers and businesses communicate. It can still cancel the existing theoretical and practical differences. It also

helps all new research and development results in the appearance of the market.

Prague The second round of peer reviews in biotech sector took place during the last week of November, 21st – 25th, last

year. Experts from Hungary and Italy conducted 14 interviews with a wide range of stakeholders, which included

research and TT institutes and organisations (Technology Centre of the Academy of Sciences, Institute of Applied

Biotechnologies, Innovation Biomedical Centre, Biotechnology and Biomedicine Centre of the Academy of Sciences

of the Czech Republic and Charles University in Vestec), universities (Institute of Chemical Technology Prague),

public authorities (City Development Authority of the Prague City Hall, Technology Agency of the Czech Republic),

NGOs (BIOTRIN Association), private companies (LentiKat´s a.s.), media (Hospodarske noviny), Prague Chamber of

Commerce and the CzechBio cluster.

The experts concluded that the main strengths of Prague biotech sector include: high concentration of academic

institutions and research organizations, high concentration of private companies, especially in the biotech sector,

highly skilled workforce and large knowledge base in the field of biotechnology. On the other hand inadequate

coordination in R&D&I policies and programs, insufficient cooperation in R&D&I between public and private sectors,

low level of patenting and slow growth of startup/spinoff companies constitute the main setbacks for the Prague

biotech sector. The upcoming National Innovation Strategy and the newly established Regional Development

Agency and Prague Council for Research and Economy give reasons for optimism, however constant attention and

support have to be paid to innovation and development of necessary structures on all levels of governance and

academic structures to ensure the opportunities in the Prague biotech sector will not be missed.

Friuli Venezia Giulia Region Czech and Hungarian experts participated in visits and interviews with the most significant actors of the local

innovation system. Among these: professors and researchers from the Universities of Trieste and Udine, officers

working for the most important regional innovation support institutions (among which AREA Science Park, the

Chamber of Commerce of Trieste, Friulia, etc.), directors of international research centres (CBM, ICGEB, etc.),

journalists and experts in science communication, representatives of the most significant regional enterprises

operating in the biotechnologies sector, representatives of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Government

(Directorate for Education, University, Research, Families, Associations and Cooperation and Directorate for

Productive Activities). The experts pointed out that FVG Region has developed a strong Regional Innovation System

in which the relationships between the academic and the productive world stimulate the growth of both parties.

The Special Statute of Autonomy of the Region allowed its government to pass a law about scientific research and

innovation. It is the framework of all local funding on innovation. The regional law 26/2005 "General guidelines on

innovation, scientific research and technological development" responds to new challenges and needs of the Region

with regards innovation. It is based on consultation with social partners, collaboration with institutions, universities,

research and innovation centers to subsidize and promote international cooperation. The regional action promotes

the environment for innovation, initiates and supports the development of research, integrates training and

innovation, stimulates the collaboration between businesses, universities, research centers, science parks and the

financial system as well as it is promoting entrepreneurial innovation and enhancing human capital.

The regional innovation is derived from the interaction of five sub-systems:

1) Enterprise promotion,

2) research and technological transfer,

3) training,

4) finance,

5) public administration.

One of the high-tech emerging specializations in the Region is represented by the red biotech sector, characterized

by a dynamic and virtuous triple helix approach. The red biotech sector is driven by the TDMB (Technology District

of Molecular Biomedicine), an innovative knowledge district officially endorsed by the Italian Ministry of University

and Research, the Regional Government and AREA Science Park. The TDMB is managed by CBM–Cluster in

Biomedicine, an SME whose main shareholder is AREA Science Park. The nanobiotechnology has an important role

in the nanotechnology sector. The interaction between micro technologies and nano-electronics and biotechnology,

has enormous applicative potentials in several market fields such as: food farming, environment, cosmetics and

medicine.

Regrettably, within the Italian framework, Trieste covers a peripheral position with transport logistics problems

which restrict the developing potential of the Science System.

4. KEY EVENTS DURING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT

Beside already mentioned Peer Review Weeks in all sectors selected, partners intensified dissemination of project

achievements, beside activities related to external communication, partners met for Steering and Project

Management meetings, one in Linz / Austria which took place in August and another in 4th

reporting period which

took place in Krakow / Poland in February. More about that….see on next page

PARTNER MEETING IN LINZ (29 th

- 31 st

AUGUST 2011)

This event was organized by two Austrian partners CATT Innovation Management and Clusterland Upper Austria in

Linz – as usually two standard general topics were on agenda, wher epartners cleared issues related to management

of the project, e.g. reporting and financial issues, and Communication part, where partners gave information on

activities performed in comparison to planned indicators – new Newsletter contents were debated and confirmed.

Most of the meeting was related to WP 5, especially to Presentation of peer review templates and later 3 sectoral

group meetings with definition of future steps toward pilot actions in 3 regions. Also next partner meeting was fixed

– Krakow, 13th

and 14th

of February 2012.

PARTNER MEETING IN KRAKOW (13 th

– 14th

FEBRUARY 2012)

4th Project Group Meeting took place in Kraków, Poland on 13th and 14th February, 2012 and was organized by

project partner 8, the Regional Development Agency of Bielsko-Biala. Representatives of all projects partners were

present – 18 participants. Project Partners met all together for the 4th time to discuss progress in implementation

of the project and to plan next activities. Issues raised at the meeting were divided into sections accordingly with

work packages of the project. Current issues regarding administration of the project were discussed. Regarding

promotion of the project mainly ideas for new visualization of the newsletter.

Main part of the meeting was devoted to work package 5 and peer review visits. Mechatronics still has to organize

two visits (Poland and Slovakia). Biotech and agro-food have all their visits behind them. Plans for Pilot Action in

sectoral groups were elaborated.

5. NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Meetings of project partners

12th – 13th June , 2012, Murska Sobota, Slovenia - 5th SC Steering Committee and Project Group Meeting will be

organized by Pomurje Technology Park (PP10)

Project related events in Mechatronic:

1. 17th-19th September, 2012, Linz, AUSTRIA, The 13th Mechatronics Forum International Conference

(Mechatronics 2012); -more - http://www.mechatronics2012.com

2. June 6 - 7, 2012, Le Grand-Bornand, Haute-Savoie, France; 10th European Mechatronics Meeting; more:

http://www.emm-mechatronics.eu/?lang=en

3. 14 th -15th June 2012, Izmir, Turkey; Clusters as Drivers for Economic and Social Development in ... -

... the Mediterranean Area In 2012, TCI will expand its activities for the first time to the Mediterranean

area. Organized in collaboration with TCI member Izmir Development Agency, the conference will focus on

clustering and innovation policy practices and the clusers' experiences in the Mediterranean Area;. more:

http://www.tci-network.org/

Project related events in Biotechnology:

1. 28th of September -1st

of October, 2012, Trieste, Italy, TRIESTE NEXT, European scientific research

exhibition focused on ‘New frontiers in nutrition sector’: more: http://www.b2match.eu/next2012

AREA Science Park, Italian leading multi-sector Science and Technology Park, as member of Enterprise

Europe Network, organizes a technology dating on food/biotech technologies.

Before the B2B meetings, thanks to the collaboration with APRE, the National Agency for the Promotion of

European Research, an operational workshop dedicated to the FP7 Call - KBBE 2013 will be organized. This

will be an opportunity to get all information on available funding for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and

Biotechnology research activities. For a pre-evaluation of project proposals the Italian NCP (National

Contact Point) will be available during the B2B sessions.

The initiative is aimed at introducing European participants from industry and research to AREA Science

Park food/biotech cluster as well as to promote competence, technologies and know how available from

university departments, research performers and companies of the North East of Italy in the a.m.

technology sectors. The matchmaking event will enhance the opportunity of setting up new cooperation

opportunities in research, technology transfer and business.

Main topics:

Technologies for the food industry

Food safety

Nutrition and health

2. 17th-18th September 2012, Düsseldorf, “Global Maintain Pharma Masters”, more: http://business-

masters.econique.com/

Project related events in Agro-food sector:

1. 28th of September -1st

of October, 2012, Trieste, Italy, TRIESTE NEXT, European scientific research

exhibition focused on ‘New frontiers in nutrition sector’: more: http://www.b2match.eu/next2012

2. 25th - 30th August, 2012, Gornja Radgona, Slovenia, “The 50th Anniversary Fair of Agriculture and Food

Industry Agra on the Foundations of Traditions and the Wings of Future”;more: http://www.pomurski-

sejem.si/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=22&Itemid=163&lang=en

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