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Research Driven Clusters
FP7 - Regions of Knowledge
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Research Driven Clusters
RDC success stories
Regional ICT based Clusters for Healthcare Applications and R&D Integration (RICHARD)
Chronic diseases represent for healthcare systems the heaviest cost burden. Aside from the social costs in terms of suffering, they account for 70% on European average of public healthcare systems in the EU. A plethora of ICT based applications have been developed in the last years, allowing tackling at least partially problems related to specific pathologies. However, even advanced experiences have had limited impact, mostly focusing on pilot applications entailing little or no change on the whole healthcare system.
The RICHARD project arises from the need to make healthcare systems more efficient while managing effectively their costs. ICT can be a major change agent in this process, but only if systemic aspects are duly taken into account, such as the interrelation of ICT with organisational and non-technological components of healthcare systems. To do so, a significant shift is necessary to evolve from an application based model, to a comprehensive and sustainable chronic care model, likely to be adapted to the broadest possible range of chronic conditions. The RICHARD project will therefore focus its analysis on the pathologies-specific ICT applications being implemented in leading European regions and elaborate a Joint Action Plan oriented to the integration of those technologies for the deployment of sustainable chronic care models for European regions. It is funded by "Regions of Knowledge" programme, with 2.75 million euro, and is coordinated by Tuscany Region. Partners are clusters from Italy, UK, Sweden and Poland.
More: http://www.richardproject.eu/

Linking research organisations in the fields of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine through European cooperation between regional research clusters (TERM)
The development of innovative 'Advanced Therapies' offers new approaches to tackle major diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer or Parkinson. The progress made in the fields of 'Tissue Engineering' and 'Regenerative Medicine' (TERM) promises to deliver long awaited new solutions. They are recognized as potential sources for medical progress and significant economic growth where Europe should position itself. Since advanced therapies are often based on personalized medicine, the translation of medical developments into real-life, sustainable therapies are challenged by several hurtles. We need new scientific, economic and structural solutions. Europe has to improve its research capacities and accelerate translation to catch up with the US and keep ahead of rapidly developing Asian countries.
TERM project aims at a consolidating skills and infrastructures among European regions and their research clusters through the definition of joint actions and mentoring. The goal is to derive high potential, translation-oriented projects from joining skill-sets, infrastructures and networks and from recognizing the requirements of the market forces. The financing situation shall also be analyzed and adapted to the requirements. It will develop knowledge and strategies on how to use resources of the regions and clusters more efficiently with more synergy and focus. The project is coordinated by Syndicat Mixte Atlanpole and includes clusters from France, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Italy and Germany. The EC contribution amounts to 2.5 million euro.
More: http://cordis.europa.eu/

TOUREG - Competitiveness and Knowledge in the Tourism sector
Established in January 2008, TOUREG had the overall aim to improve the competitiveness and strategic position of the service sector and in particular the tourist-oriented sectors in various European regions. This was achieved through the establishment of a platform for transfer of knowledge based on technological innovation and research in the tourist sector.
TOUREG project was coordinated by the Directorate General for Research, Technological Development and Innovation of the Government of the Balearic Islands, and involved 6 regions from Spain, Portugal, Greece, Sweden, Bulgaria and Romania. It was co-funded by the "Regions of Knowledge" programme (Specific Programme "Capacities", 7th Framework Programme).
Technology maps, SWOT analysis and Recommendations for application of ICT in the touristic sector are available for download on the project's website.
More information: http://www.tourisminnovation.eu/

Bridging innovation-driven GIS research and development to create a GEO-Society (BRIDGE2GEO)
The provinces Salzburg (AT) & North Rhine-Westfalia (GE) are collaborating at political level and through economic partnerships. BRIDGE2GEO intensified the existing links and initiates science-business partnerships within and between the regions in order to enhance S&T-based development. Building on earlier joint actions, technological developments & recent trends in advanced visualisation and social interaction in web2.0 was bridged (social nets, Wikis, Second Life).Within five Strategic Networks the benefit of GI-technology was brought to different economic sectors with affinity to selected competence priorities of the two regions. Strategies, communication & business models were elaborated via the challenging GIS 2.0 window to promote implementation of GI-services. Special regard will be given to the European GMES initiative. Universities, research institutes and SMEs in both regions have been strong players in the standardization initiatives.
More information: http://bridge2geo.eu/

Research Clusters in Romania
During the last months, Romania is under a process of research-cluster mapping. The main clusters (or potential clusters) are already identified and the following are in an advanced phase of development:
  • Automotive West: An industry driven cluster at the beginning, Automotive West refers to a concentration of international automotive suppliers concentrated around Timisoara. The Regional Association West supports these clusters and has founded an automotive association in the region. The cluster is being supported in the frame of a FP7 Regions of Knowledge Project. More details can be found on: http://www.adrvest.ro/index.php?page=domain&did=180
  • ICT West: A similar initiative of the Regional development West which is currently trying to formalise the ICT concentration in the Western Region. More details can be found on: http://www.adrvest.ro/attach_files/studiu_ict_phare.pdf
  • Automotive South (SPRINT): The cluster refers to a concentration of automotive suppliers around the producer Dacia Renault in the South Region. Driver of the cluster is the Romanian Association of Car Producers. (ACAROM). The association beneficiated form an FP 6 Transport Project "SPRINT" (2005-2007) aiming at creating an innovative network of automotive suppliers. The most important result is the creation of so called "research nuclei", joint working groups gathering representatives of industry and academia on fro the industry relevant research topics. More details can be found on: http://www.sprintnetwork.ro
  • Wood Center (Pro Wood): The cluster beneficiates from ongoing FP7 regions of Knowledge Project "Pro Wood". Driving forces are the SME Association in the county of Covasna as well as the University fo Brasov (only one in the country specialised on wood indsutry), the county council of Covansa. The clsuter beneficiates form the support of renowned international consultants both specialists (TTS Helsinki, CritBois Epinal, Fraunhofer Institute in Braunschweig) and management consultants (ZENIT in Germany and Inno Consult in Romania). More details can be found on: http://www.prowood.ro

RAF-REGIONS: food research clusters
The RAF-REGIONS project brings together three regional research-driven clusters in Greece, Italy and Bulgaria, aiming at enhancing economic development through science and technology that focuses on the AgroFood Sector. It is funded by the Regions of Knowledge Programme of the 7th Research Framework Programme. It commenced its activities on the 1st of February 2008 and will last for 30 months.

The overarching objective of RAF- REGIONS is to increase the overall capacity of the Regions of Central Macedonia (Greece), Puglia (Italy) and Pazardzhik (Bulgaria) in enhancing science and technology based economic development, focusing on the AgroFood Sector. The project partners (Regional Authorities, SME Associations, Research Entities and Technology Consultants) comprise regional research-driven-clusters and have the necessary experience and the institutional role to intervene and have a direct impact on research policies for the AgroFood sector.

The activities of the cluster include:
  • Development of 3 long-lasting, operational and sustainable AgroFood "Research-driven Clusters"
  • Mapping and analysing the regional RTD policies and activities in the AgroFood Sector
  • Performing technology audits at 80 SMEs in GR, IT and BG
  • Inventory of approximately 60 RTD actors and 80 AgroFood SMEs
  • SWOT analysis for each of the 3 participating regions
  • Organising three 2-day workshops (GR, IT and BG) for the participating local Regional Authorities, SME associations and R&D entities
  • Organising 2 training trips for personnel from the partners of the District of Pazardzhik - Bulgaria
  • Organising 2-day European level Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece
  • Exploiting synergies with regional research driven clusters from Europe with a similar AgroFood scope and also with ETP Food for Life, FINE network, Food Valley organisation, etc.
  • Development of joint Action Plan of research and technological development activities to drive economic development in the AgroFood sector.
RAF REGIONS:
http://www.rafregions.eu

NCE Culinology: Innovation in gastronomy from Norway
NCE Culinology aims to strengthen the knowledge platform and capacity for innovation in the field of gastronomy and culinary differentiation for the benefit of Norwegian food production. The food cluster in Rogaland has deep historic roots in the production of agricultural-based food and seafood. In addition to a strong production side, the district has an acknowledged culinary environment and a well-established network in which industry, R&D institutions and the public authorities are working in close collaboration to develop the industry. NCE Culinology functions as a professional catalyst and is measured on its ability to increase the level of innovation and upgrade the professional and market-oriented skills within and between operators in the food and meal industry cluster. The objective is to further develop the quality of raw material production, specialise processing and increase value creation per investment factor.

Partners: Bioforsk, Biomarin Vekst, EWOS Innovation, Fatland, Norwegian Agricultural Purchasing and Marketing Co-Op for Rogaland and Agder, Finny Sirevaag, Fiskå Mølle, Fjordkjøkken, County Governor in Rogaland, County Agriculture and Forestry Office, Culinary Institute of Norway, Holmens, Marine Harvest Norway, Norconserv, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Nortura, Prima Jæren, Rogaland Farmers' Union, Rogaland County Council, Rogaland Science Park, Greater Stavanger Economic Development, Skretting, Sparebank 1 SR-bank, TINE, University of Stavanger, The Professional Forum for Food and Beverage

NCE Culinology:
http://ekstranett.innovasjonnorge.no/templates/Page_Meta____56546.aspx

Lyonbiopôle: excellence in vaccines and diagnostics in France
A global centre of excellence in vaccines and diagnostics, Lyonbiopôle, accredited as a world competitive cluster by the French State on July 12th, 2005, aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of human and animal infectious diseases. This expertise ranges from diagnostics and prevention to treatment, with the development of innovative delivery systems. The main strength of this healthcare shield specialized in infectious diseases is that it incorporates the entire chain of activity, from identification of a virus to protection of the populations at risk. This integrated approach aims to build a "healthcare shield" in order to protect populations against these diseases. The strong points of the cluster are the following: it is focused on infectious diseases, it meets healthcare and economic challenges, it is active in dynamic markets, it is led by firms with the involvement of all major stakeholders within the cluster's scope of action and, finally, it is strongly supported by the French State and Greater Lyon alongside Grenoble, the Rhône-Alpes Region and the Rhône and Isère General Councils. At least 45 partners participate in the cluster.
  • Major corporations: sanofi pasteur, Merial World leader in veterinary products, BD World leader in the medical and diagnostics spheres, bioMérieux Co-leader in bacteriology
  • SMEs and start-ups: Transgene, Protein'eXpert, EUSAPharma, genOway, Flamel Technologies, Expertise in polymer chemistry, Genopoïetic, Innovative cancer treatments
  • Scientific, academic and healthcare stakeholders:
    1. Lyon: IFR Biosciences Laboratory, Ecole Normale Supérieure Graduate School, Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University, WHO, Jean Mérieux Biosafety Level 4 Laboratory, Jean Mérieux Biosafety Level 4 Laboratory, French National Institute for Medical and Healthcare Research (Inserm), French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Lyon Civil Hospitals (HCL), etc.,
    2. Grenoble : French Nuclear Energy Agency (CEA), ESRF (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility), European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) NanoBio, Joseph Fourier Grenoble 1 University, Grenoble University Hospital, etc.
  • French State, Local authorities: The Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industry, The Regional Department of Industry, Research and Environmental Affairs (DRIRE), The French National Research Agency (ANR), Greater Lyon Rhône-Alpes Region, Grenoble Alpes Métropole, Rhône Department General Council, Isère General Council
  • Local public partners: LyonBioAdvisor network, Aderly, Créalys, Grain, the Lyon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ARIST-CRCI, Arteb, Rhône-Alpes Génopole, Gerland Technopôle, Cancéropôle Lyon Rhône-Alpes (CLARA), ERAI, AEPI, Adebag, and BioVision.
Lyonbiopôle: http://www.lyonbiopole.com/home-1-2.html
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