DeeptechValleys, engaging Regional stakeholders for growth
The DeeptechValleys project, has been actively engaging regional stakeholders across Europe to foster the growth of DeepTech ecosystems. Recent stakeholder meetings in France, Portugal, Romania, and Austria have showcased the diverse approaches, challenges, and opportunities in advancing technological innovation at the regional level.
In France, Laval Mayenne Technopole held its first regional stakeholders' group meeting on September 10th, 2024. This virtual gathering brought together directors of incubators, deeptech project managers, and the Council of Pays de la Loire. Participants discussed the DeeptechValleys project and explored how regional initiatives could synergize to foster DeepTech innovation. The session concluded with a commitment to collaboration, and plans for the next meeting in Vilnius were shared.
Portugal’s Leiria Region Intermunicipal Community organized its first stakeholder meeting on October 29th, 2024, at the Pombal Cine-theatre. The event, themed "Regional Innovation Catalyst in the Central Region," united academic institutions, regional development organizations, and companies from the Leiria Region. Discussions centered on leveraging DeepTech to drive regional innovation and enhance collaboration among stakeholders. The event laid the groundwork for future projects aligned with the DeeptechValleys initiative.
In Romania, the Regional Development Agency South-West Oltenia hosted its inaugural Local Stakeholders Group meeting on September 20th, 2024, at its Craiova headquarters. Led by General Deputy Director Marius Vargatu, the meeting emphasized the importance of creating a regional DeepTech ecosystem and bridging gaps in technology transfer. Stakeholders shared insights on improving the region’s policy tools under Priority 1 of the SW Oltenia Regional Program, focusing on enhancing technological innovation.
Austria’s Steirische Wirtschaftsförderungsges.m.b.H. (SFG) organized a two-part stakeholder meeting in September 2024, beginning with an online onboarding session on September 10th, followed by an in-person workshop in Graz on September 12th. These sessions brought together investors, DeepTech startups, and representatives from incubators and clusters to discuss financing gaps and opportunities for DeepTech innovation in Styria. The workshop yielded valuable insights into strengthening connectivity to private capital, which will guide future developments in the regional DeepTech ecosystem.
Across all regions, the meetings underscored the shared commitment to fostering DeepTech innovation while highlighting unique regional perspectives and challenges. The collaborative discussions have provided a strong foundation for achieving the objectives of the DeeptechValleys project, ensuring that regional ecosystems are empowered to drive technological advancements.