URBAN INNO addresses the challenge of making Central Europe more innovative and competitive by maximizing the innovation potential of small and medium-sized urban ecosystems. Public and private sectors recognize that there is a significant gap between people as citizens and as users / consumers, especially in the area of participation in the innovation process. Many smart solutions, technologies, and services are not widely used because there is a lack of knowledge, motivation, and acceptance by the end user.
URBAN INNO focuses on maximizing the innovation potential of urban ecosystems through:
- Better networking of actors in innovation systems through the establishment and networking of quadruple helix clusters / networks in the target regions, and
- by developing and implementing new participatory methods and tools to engage end users in the innovation process with the goal of having motivated and trained users – the SMART USER.
URBAN INNO is being implemented in small-medium-sized urban ecosystems in Central Europe, with high replication potential due to the large number of comparable cities in the EU.
Quadruple helix networks are established and regional "Urban Innovation Action Plans" are being developed (establishment of demo centers and test environment for industry). At the same time, pilot projects will be used to develop and test new participatory methods and tools. Participatory urban areas will substantially improve their innovation performance through established innovation environments.
A transnational cooperation strategy and platform will offer all interested regions the most appropriate and available participatory tools and qualified facilitators. Best practices will facilitate the transfer and exchange the urban innovation models and practices within Central Europe.
