The procedure of the development and design of RIS3 Thessaly Strategy and Action Plan
Regarding the governance system of the regional research and innovation strategy, it consists mainly of the:
A) The Regional Innovation Council of Thessaly acts as the strategic supervisor and coordinating body of RIS3 Thessaly with members from the research community, the business community, self-government and civil society.
B) A RIS3 Autonomous Office has been established within the Region of Thessaly for the specialization of the action plan and the initial implementation of the Strategy.
C) Innovation Platforms (IPs) are groups of individuals that represent all sectors of the quadruple helix and cover the whole of the geographical region of Thessaly.
From mid-November to the beginning of December 2015, the process of “business discovery” took place, during which 952 ideas for the development of Thessaly were gathered, which were then grouped and matured in successive steps by the Thematic Working Teams with the technical and scientific support of Technical Consultants hired by Region of Thessaly for this purpose.
This process consisted of informative events during which stakeholders participated through thematic round tables and online pubic consultation. The final conclusions for these two activities were presented at the Final Event during which the RIS3 Strategy and Action Plan were presented and marked the beginning of its implementation via calls and tenders.
Resources needed
RIS3 in ERDF ROP of Thessaly is funded by the following Thematic Objectives: TO1: 11.25M€ TO2: 3.12M€ TO3: 47.5M€
Total ERDF ROP contribution is 61.88M€.
Evidence of success
During this period the following achievements are succeeded:
- During 2014-2020 the Regional Innovation Council of Thessaly acts as the responsible body for monitoring and assess the procedure under which ERDF fund are efficiently distributed in order to support R&D and promote innovation in Region
- Calls for Proposals targeted to local enterprises (30M€)
- Identification of innovation policy capabilities and learning
- Establishment of the RIS3 network
- High level stakeholder involveme
Difficulties encountered
- A RIS3 Technical Office has not been formally appointed.
- RIS3 did not bring coherence between funds
- Administrative problems delayed flow of funds to beneficiaries
- RIS3 proved major planning challenge for most Greek regions, therefore there is an urgent need for multi-level coordination.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Regional Innovation Council of Thessaly has been formed in mid-2013 and is actively engaged in the governance structure even today, through frequent meetings. Main areas that Council indicates positive contribution include:
-unofficial evaluation of RIS3 implementation;
-formation of a framework suitable for networking and synergizing with other Greek and/or EU regions;
- interaction with MA ROP during development of Calls for Proposals
Tags: RIS3, Smart, Specialisation, Strategy
