Development of RIS3 domain "3D Printing"
Published on 19 March 2019
Austria
Niederösterreich
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About this good practice
In 2012 the Lower Austrian Regional Government started a process of developing an RTI Strategy and Programme in order to strengthen regional research structures, to set thematic priorities and – supplementing the Economic Strategy Lower Austria – to foster the innovative capacity of companies.
In total, about 250 stakeholders participated in more than 30 workshops in 2013 and 2014 and defined in a bottom-up process 10 research areas. Underlying criteria: relevant research and education available, benefit for society and economy, critical mass of employees in related research and businesses and innovation potential.
The Mechatronics cluster manager, assigned with the coordination of the working group on the research area automatisation&manufacturing, assured the involvement of industry and relevant researchers. In an entrepreneurial discovery process, the group agreed on 3D Printing as a key domain and developed ideas for lead projects in the region.
In the CLUSTERIX 2.0 project, we shared this case as example for the potential role of clusters in implementing Regional Innovation and Smart Specialization Strategies (improved governance).
In total, about 250 stakeholders participated in more than 30 workshops in 2013 and 2014 and defined in a bottom-up process 10 research areas. Underlying criteria: relevant research and education available, benefit for society and economy, critical mass of employees in related research and businesses and innovation potential.
The Mechatronics cluster manager, assigned with the coordination of the working group on the research area automatisation&manufacturing, assured the involvement of industry and relevant researchers. In an entrepreneurial discovery process, the group agreed on 3D Printing as a key domain and developed ideas for lead projects in the region.
In the CLUSTERIX 2.0 project, we shared this case as example for the potential role of clusters in implementing Regional Innovation and Smart Specialization Strategies (improved governance).
Resources needed
The resources needed for coordinating and developing the RIS3 domain 3D Printing consisted mainly of staff costs for the cluster manager and involved stakeholders (4 meetings of the working group in 2014/2015).
The lead projects are financed from different regional, national or European programmes.
The lead projects are financed from different regional, national or European programmes.
Evidence of success
Since 2014 the cooperation on 3D Printing resulted in a broad variety of 3DP projects with a total volume of 5 Mio € involving 60 companies:
-- Infrastructure investment in a Laboratory for Manufacturing Innovation (LMI) at FOTEC Wiener Neustadt;
- Two interregional CORNET projects on AM;
- Development of trainings for AM professionals; new Curriculum for 3DPrinting developed.
Lower Austria increased the visibility of its expertise in 3DP in the Vanguard Initiative and CLUSTERIX 2.0 regions.
-- Infrastructure investment in a Laboratory for Manufacturing Innovation (LMI) at FOTEC Wiener Neustadt;
- Two interregional CORNET projects on AM;
- Development of trainings for AM professionals; new Curriculum for 3DPrinting developed.
Lower Austria increased the visibility of its expertise in 3DP in the Vanguard Initiative and CLUSTERIX 2.0 regions.
Potential for learning or transfer
1. Clusters can play a lead role in a bottom up smart specialization process.
2. Clusters – working at the interface of researchers, companies and policy makers - can help the successful implementation of additive manufacturing by disseminating Success Stories and Best Practices, connecting knowledge, infrastructure and market, enabling innovation across disciplines and business sectors. Example: with the help of CLUSTERIX 2.0 the Regional Government Department Economy and the Mechatronics Cluster jointly designed a new innovation voucher for 3DP.
2. Clusters – working at the interface of researchers, companies and policy makers - can help the successful implementation of additive manufacturing by disseminating Success Stories and Best Practices, connecting knowledge, infrastructure and market, enabling innovation across disciplines and business sectors. Example: with the help of CLUSTERIX 2.0 the Regional Government Department Economy and the Mechatronics Cluster jointly designed a new innovation voucher for 3DP.
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
ecoplus: The Business Agency of Lower Austria
Austria
Niederösterreich
Contact
project manager clusters