Irish Stakeholders Advance Key Milestones
Irish representatives in the InnoCom Interreg EU Project are making notable progress in peer review processes and preparing innovative pilot actions, as shared in a recent stakeholder group update. The project aims to enhance operational models for business incubators and startup support systems, creating a framework for economic growth and fostering entrepreneurial innovation across the EU. Despite some delays due to procurement issues, the initiative continues to advance, driven by the exchange of international best practices and robust collaboration.
Peer Review Progress
Stacey Phelan, Project Coordinator, provided an update on the Peer Review (PR) processes, a cornerstone of the InnoCom project. The Irish PR expert has successfully completed reviews for Romania and France, producing detailed reports that have been shared with stakeholders. The next critical phase involves reviews of Ireland's regional analysis by French and Latvian partners, pending final procurement clearance.
“The peer review stage is vital for ensuring regional insights are aligned with international best practices. It fosters a shared understanding of successful models and lays the groundwork for informed innovation. While procurement delays have posed challenges, the commitment to collaborative learning and mutual exchange remains unwavering,” said Phelan.
Pilot Actions Shaping the Future
As the project moves towards its Mid-Term Review, discussions have focused on the Pilot Actions, which are an option being considered to further InnoCom’s mission. These actions aim to transfer proven practices between regions while tailoring new initiatives to address specific local needs. By fostering innovation through localized adaptation of successful international strategies, the pilot actions have the potential to revolutionize startup ecosystems and incubator operations.
The Importance of International Collaboration
One of InnoCom’s standout features is its emphasis on transnational cooperation. The exchange of international best practices not only enhances the effectiveness of regional strategies but also positions stakeholders to better leverage global expertise. By benchmarking against international peers, Irish stakeholders can adopt cutting-edge approaches to address local challenges, ensuring that their enterprise ecosystems remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected world.
The value of international collaboration will be further realized during a key meeting in Slovenia early next year. This visit will deepen the engagement between Irish and Slovenian partners, offering practical, hands-on learning opportunities and facilitating the direct transfer of insights.