UnicornQuest | Welcome To Our New Discovery Partners
One of the recent Interreg Europe programme developments in 2024 is the approval of the participation for 7 new Partner States: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Ukraine,
A Discovery Partner’s involvement has the primary objective of learning and becoming familiar with the process of exchanging interregional experiences. In contrast to other partners, who are responsible for addressing policy instruments, the Discovery Partner's role is primarily focused on learning, without the obligation to directly develop or implement policies. These partners may participate in project activities such as workshops and knowledge exchange events, but their primary objective is to gain experience and knowledge that can be applied in their own regional or national contexts.
We were delighted that the UnicornQuest consortium was enthusiastic about this, and keen to invite two partner countries. Following a democratic process and full unanimity among the project partners, two Discovery Partners were proposed to join the team:
- RAV – Razvojna Agencija Vojvodine
- MIR Foundation – Foundation for Management and Industrial Research.
Project Coordinator Professor Soumodip Sarkar — Executive President of Lead Partner PACT — who oversaw the selection process, also made on-site visits to both partners. During these visits he got to know both partners, gained detailed knowledge of the facilities, and interacted with local leaders. He presented the project’s objectives, involved partners, and vision. This direct contact was an important step to strengthen mutual trust and ensure that the project's objectives would be achieved in a collaborative and efficient manner.
Both organisations have been instrumental in fostering innovation, economic development and business growth in their regions.
The Development Agency of Vojvodina is a provincial agency that supports economic growth investment attraction in Vojvodina. RAV acts as a bridge for investors through the offer of tailored support; RAV assists in finding the right location, networking, administrative processes, and after-care services. RAV works alongside private companies, academic institutions, and government agencies to improve supplier chains and promote exportation. Through its strategic initiatives, RAV plays a key role in regional development.
The Foundation for Management and Industrial Research is a top institution in North Macedonia who specialise in research, industrial development and management solutions. Extremely committed to building industrial capacities, MIR fosters sustainable growth, presenting a perfect fit with PACT's vision of strategic discovery for the UnicornQuest project.
This discovery partners will learn from UnicornQuest's strategies for promoting innovation and business growth. This partnership gives them a chance to learn how to use successful methods in its region.
UnicornQuest warmly welcomes our two Discovery Partners. We look forward to a fruitful journey and collaboration throughout and beyond the project period!