As defined by DTP, the capitalisation strategy aims to strengthen the links between projects working on similar topics (Thematic poles), to enable projects to exploit and consolidate one another’s achievements, and create a higher leverage effect. It is assumed that this will enhance the visibility and impact of both projects and programme. Furthermore, as envisaged by the DTP capitalisation strategy, aligning the Thematic Poles with the EUSDR and making close working contacts with the EUSDR Priority Area Coordinators (PACs) ensures translation of the EU policies in the ground actions. On the other hand, the EUSDR may benefit of newly formed networks and collect information and valuable inputs from the ground.

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So far, 11 thematic poles have been identified, thematic pole 2 being the one with the focus on RDI framework support. It involves so far three projects with specific objective to improve the framework conditions for innovation: ResInfra@DR, RI2INTEGRATE and D-STIR.

Thematic Pole 2 (TP2), RDI framework support is co-ordinated by the Centre for Social Innovation in Vienna and EUSDR PA7. Its main aim is to contribute to the mission of the DTP by creating links between the local, regional, national, macro-regional and European Union levels while looking to improve the framework conditions for research and innovation in the Danube Macro region. Particular focus is put on policy dialogue and development of new tools and instruments as well as on knowledge transfer, capacity building and awareness raising within the quadruple helix. The two main thematic fields are related to Research infrastructures (RI) and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI).  

EUSDR PA7 as a platform for cooperation between SG members, WG members, various stakeholders and projects in the area of building knowledge society considers DTP Capitalisation Strategy and its thematic poles as a very useful tool for:

• improving quality and sustainability of project/priority area results,
• enabling better communication and visibility of the results,
• creating cooperation networks and
• exchange of ideas.

The PA7 coordinators and the Support team expect that building synergies between PA7 and TP2 will bring benefits for both sides. From the perspective of PA7 it will be especially useful in terms of contribution to the activities of PA7 WG on Research and Innovation which addresses the key role of high standard research infrastructures for competitiveness and regional positioning in a global R&I context.

The Thematic Pole 2 aims to identify and exploit:

1. synergies among the projects within the thematic pole (starting with DTP 1st call projects as well as integrating the projects from the future calls)
2. potential synergies with projects from other DTP thematic poles (e.g. Thematic pole 1 (Innovative ecosystem for SME)  and 3 (Entrepreneurial learning Systems)
3. potential synergies with projects from other programmes (FP7, Horizon 2020, national programmes etc.)
4. potential synergies with other initiatives / institutions (ESFRI, JRC, ESF, RCC ect.).

So far, we have participated in several events organised to support the capitalisation such as Danube Region Synergy Workshop held in Vienna in early 2017 or 6th EUSDR Annual Forum held in Budapest in October 2018. We are looking forward to participate in PA7 Steering Group Meeting to be held in Belgrade in the end of November 2017.

Are you working on thematic fields which are related to Research infrastructures (RI) and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI)? Let us know and explore the cooperation possibilities!

Further information is available here: http://www.interreg-danube.eu/relevant-documents/dtp-capitalisation-strategy/thematic-pole-2-rdi-framework-support

Pole leader contact: ResInfra@DR, Ms Ines Marinkovic, email: marinkovic@zsi.at, Center for Social Innovation (AT)