Northern Periphery Programme

Priority 1: Objective i.

Priority 1: Promoting innovation and competitiveness in remote and peripheral areas

i. Innovation, networks and competitiveness

Objective: To promote competitiveness by increasing and developing the capacity for innovation and networking in rural and peripheral areas

Broad themes

exchange of best practise and establishment of cooperation networks between R&D institutions and SMEs to increase the capacity for innovation, facilitate the design of innovation systems and strengthen competitiveness
transnational cooperation networks and knowledge transfer to develop existing and new innovative products
cooperation and exchange of best practice between SMEs on how to address and reach markets with existing and new products

Potential project ideas

Benchmarking of innovation and SME support networks in remote and rural areas, and promotion of successful systems for the development of new support methods, models and transboundary products.
Collaboration between the research, public and private sectors to support the development of cold climate facilities and techniques, in order to produce innovative products and services in a high tech environment.
Transnational collaboration and knowledge exchange between SMEs in the periphery to develop marketing strategies and target new export markets by clustering to increase their products’ export and market potential.
Improvement to the provision of services to micro and small firms to engage more with research centres and to develop stronger linkages with the public sector.
Knowledge exchange between research institutes and the private sector to develop innovative ‘green’ transboundary products in forestry and aquaculture, for example.
Knowledge transfer across sectors to develop innovative solutions for adding value at source to indigenous products and methods, particularly natural resources and construction.
Networking between enterprise centres and business incubation centres in rural and peripheral areas to design systems that increase technology transfer and the development of innovative products and services.
Promotion of an innovative and entrepreneurial culture across the Northern Periphery by preparing and adapting educational and training systems.

Useful links: