Did you know that Research and Innovation Facilities are central to digital transformation? In a previous article, we told you all about how these institutions play a role in developing new technologies, optimising existing infrastructure, and addressing societal challenges, among others. Collaboration is key throughout this process. Exchanging knowledge and best practices allows Research and Innovation Facilities or Hubs to improve their processes and advance in their research.
So, how can we help the Innovation Hubs in the European Union (EU) and the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) regions connect and work together? SPIDER’s Twinning Programme aims to do just that.
Building Overseas Partnerships Between Innovation Hubs
The key to the Twinning Programme is in the name: of each selected hub, which will be “twinned” with a partner from a different innovation ecosystem. The programme will select five EU Innovation Hubs and five LAC Innovation Hubs and pair them with a partner. This collaboration will be the cornerstone of the activities developed throughout the programme, including creating a shared action plan.
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Creating a common action plan
Throughout the Twinning Programme participants will work on a shared action plan with their partner. The goal of these documents should be to define how the Innovation Hubs can benefit from the BELLA infrastructure.
The documents can include, among others:
- Letters of Intention (LoIs);
- Proof of Concepts (PoCs) for joint research projects;
- Plans for the development of new products or services;
Creating new connections and sharing best practices
The opportunity to build new connections will extend beyond the main partnership. During the two online networking events, all of the program participants will get to link up and share best practices from their respective ecosystems.
All of the activities will lead up to an in-person Final Twinning Event, which is planned to take place back-to-back with the final event of the Digital Dialogues Implementation Forum (DIF).
Furthermore, representatives of the twinned Innovation Hubs may also be invited to participate in the DIF working groups. This will be an opportunity to have their insights contribute to shaping a roadmap and recommendations to facilitate the implementation of EU-LAC digital dialogue commitments.
Curating a service portfolio
In an effort to promote business opportunities around the BELLA infrastructure, each selected hub will be curating an individual service portfolio targeted at startups and innovation projects eligible to use BELLA. These service portfolios will be hosted on the SPIDER project’s website and disseminated throughout its communication channels.
Boosting the visibility of EU and LAC innovation actors
By boosting the visibility of EU and LAC Innovation Hubs, as well as raising awareness about their partnerships, the SPIDER Twinning Programme hopes to plant the seeds for future collaborations and promote connections across these ecosystems.
Each selected Innovation Hub will receive a communication package with best practices and materials to help them promote their service portfolio and their participation in the Twinning Programme.
SPIDER will also leverage its communication channels to promote the Twinned Hubs, their services and the activities of the Twinning Programme.
Who are we looking for?
If you would like to submit an application for the Twinning Programme, you must represent an EU or LAC Innovation Hub either already connected or eligible to connect with the BELLA infrastructure.
Selected Hubs must have experience with at least one of the technology areas targeted by the SPIDER project (AI, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Virtual Research Environments, and 5G) and have proven experience working with research projects and early innovators.
