RELOS3

RELOS3 focuses on implementing regional Smart Specialisation Strategies (RIS3) in a local context by actively involving local authorities, innovation actors and companies.  The local level is often overlooked, however it is crucial to involve this level in innovation strategies. Partnership
The project has six partners from six countries:

• Tartu City Goverment (Estonia)
• Metropolitan City of Bologna (Italy)
• Malta Enterprise Corporation (Malta)
• Local authority of Emmen (the Netherlands)
• Wielkopolska Region (Poland)
• Economic Development Agency of Sabadell (Sabadell, Spain, Lead Partner)

Most partners have a local ecosystem connected to industrial systems, advanced manufacturing, applied industrial design and ICT.   However, other industry-related specialisations are not excluded.   Main activities RELOS3 is an unique opportunity to develop and contrast local RIS3 strategies. The findings will contribute to improve the Operational Programmes of the European Regional Development Funds, specifically to promote delivery of innovation at the lowest (local) level. The partners will achieve this objective by:

• Demonstrating the importance of the role of local authorities' involvement in the RIS3 strategies implementation.
• Analysing the partners current situation by elaborating a detailed baseline and final study., including an evaluation survey and collection of good pratices.
• Producing RAPs on the basis of the transnational exchange and co-produced with the support of Local Stakeholder Groups.
• Involving the policy owners and the relevant local/regional actors and make them work together as a “local stakeholder group”.
• Undertaking capacity building activities for policy owners, policy makers and relevant stakeholders.

Exchange and analysis RELOS3 project will divide the interregional learning exchange and analysis in the following themes:

• Alignment of local (supra local) economic development strategies to RIS3 strategies
• The participation of private sector in territorial innovation operations to pave the way of RIS3 deployment
• Promotion of cooperation between EU regions with similar or complementary smart specialisations
• Sustainability of Quadruple Helix Collaboration (Industry, R+D and Academy, public administration and citizens) beyond RIS3 strategy 

A brochure of the project can be downloaded through this link.