Boosting innovation through capacity building and networking of science centres in the SEE region
Innovation scores low in SEE, proper framework conditions are missing to bridge research, education & business and the region is characterized by a weak culture for innovation. Although SEE Science PPs have excellent chances for innovative business development since universities and high technology companies are located there, their potential to improve social climate for new developments, is underexploited. To address this challenge, SEE Science aims to increase public awareness on the importance of natural sciences, technology and innovation as key determinants of economic growth. It specifically targets young people by creating new means to increase visibility and accessibility through science centres (SC), established in most PP countries acting as facilitator & disseminator of innovation. Implementation can be broken down to 3 phases, with stakeholder involvement as a continuous overarching activity. 1) Joint analysis of operation & services of SCs; benchmarking & knowledge building by appointed SC Agents to create Transn. State of the Art Report and draft SC Service portfolio 2) Networking by SC Agents to develop cooperation with innovation actors; implement pilot actions to test jointly selected SC services and to create & test main transnat. outputs of SC cooperation 3) finalise core outputs: build pilot results into final SC Service Portfolio; define joint action plan to ensure sustainability of transnational project outputs and the SEE Science network; finalize action plans for improved SC operation/ strategies for setting up SCs at PP level. Project outputs include: SC Agents & Strategic Partnerships - capacity building Action plans for improved SC operations - operational efficiency SC Service Portfolio - raise awareness SEE Science Centre - ICT platform for SEE SEE Science Festivals - good practice in community engagement As a main result PPs will create a SEE Science network and acquire increased capacities to effectively promote innovation.