Strengthening research, technological development and innovation
Promoting innovation capacities for a more competitive area
The overall objective of the project was to create an ecosystem of cross-border cooperation in which social and technological innovations for the future society will emerge.
The basic intention was to improve cross-border cooperation between Italian and Slovenian innovation platforms, educational institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises. We paid particular attention to the development and implementation of methodologies to facilitate and encourage collaboration between creative and artistic individuals or organizations and SMEs. Integrating an artistic mindset and art-thinking approaches into innovation processes enabled the flow of visionary ideas into technological, commercial and social innovations.
All organizations from the Interreg ITA-SLO area interested in various opportunities for cooperation within the DIVA project were invited to contact us (info@diva-borderless.eu) or to directly evaluate their potential and readiness for ART - BUSINESS collaboration through the web questionnaire - DIVA AAT: http://diva-borderless.eu/en/aat/.
On the website, https://diva-borderless.eu/it/ are available training materials used in the training of Innovation Catalysts and information on DIVA HUBs.
The basic purpose of the DIVA project was to create an innovation environment related to the economy (SME), which will successfully perform on the global market in the field of digital transformation and smart technologies and communities. Within the framework of the project, we established ecosystem connections between existing and newly established innovation platforms in which the co-creation of economy, art thinking, design thinking and various social initiatives took place.
By mapping, analysing, modelling and piloting, we enabled the inception of an innovation, production and user ecosystem, in which chain structures were established in which different chain-rings cling innovators with the economy, so that the flow from idea to a verified and practical solution is as fast and long-term successful (sustainable) as possible.
Creating cross-border ecosystem connections is seen as an opportunity to connect and develop the capacities of advanced technology companies and technologically literate social groups that will take the lead in raising the readiness level of traditional industry and mainstream society to adopt the principles of digital transformation and the circular economy.
In the first phase of the project DIVA, we created the conditions for a better understanding of the innovation dynamics in which we collected, systematized and analyzed various examples of collaborations between intermedia art, creative practices and the economy. In this way, we created methodological frameworks for establishing innovative development platforms that will take part in technological and social innovations for the society of the future.
In the second phase of the project, we established regional innovation hubs that were linked to interested SMEs. Here we developed methodological approaches for cooperation with modern and traditional companies that were able to participate in innovation protocols to address their needs. At the same time, we led a series of support activities to create a participatory environment for individuals and social groups, which were sensitized and educated for quality and participatory coexistence with new high-tech solutions.
The third level of the project was the realisation of 21 pilot projects with which we tested the cooperation between individual actors in the innovation, development and application processes regardless of whether the results of pilots were technological application or social innovation. In this regard, it is important to emphasize that due to their experimental and developmental nature, pilots were not necessarily directed towards actual results on the market.
CONCLUSIONS
The DIVA project is the launch of activities that aim at successful cooperation between representatives of business and the cultural and creative industries. More new projects addressing the theme of cooperation between SMEs and CCIs are needed to achieve lasting effects in the cross-border area. Cooperation between the different areas and partners is essential and necessary to bring satisfaction and positive changes in the cross-border area.
Cross-border activities have been suspended for the 2020-2022 pandemic and DIVA results need to be proofed ad tested in a newly funded project. It is the cross-border dimension, which is essential for the project, that has suffered the most, as can be seen in the Validation Report on the methodology used (DIVA Collaboration model) and on the pilot actions.
The DIVA Cooperation Model is one of the main documents of the project. It is a rich document that is intended to serve as a basis or starting point for projects and actions that promote creative innovation and the introduction of Design and Art thinking approaches in innovation processes in the economy.
In view of the long-term effects, it would be important to broaden and evaluate the profile of the innovation catalyst, the person with a creative mindset and a production-oriented attitude who can boost creativity in traditional SMEs. The knowledge of innovation catalysts on how to innovate creatively should be shared in formal and informal ways and the insights transferred to other target groups.
The call for pilot projects represented an important best practice that could be used in future projects, despite legislative differences between the two countries which caused some initial problems. The call provided an opportunity for traditional companies and organisations from the cultural and creative sectors to work together, while also encouraging further development for those still sceptical and reluctant to engage in such cooperation.
The assistance and guidance role of DIVA HUBs in strengthening cooperation between traditional SMEs and creative companies and/or professionals is essential. HUBs should continue to act as centres of creative, entrepreneurial and innovative activity, offering individuals and collectives a stimulating meeting environment and opportunities to create concrete innovative products or services. It is almost essential that DIVA HUBs are involved in other projects as spaces for socializing, networking, experimenting and innovating in order to address the challenges of today's society and the local cross-border environment.
The best practices of the call and cross-border cooperation could be important results to be used in a future project.
The Nova Gorica-Gorizia European Capital of Culture 2025 represents another opportunity to involve the DIVA partnership in activities related to GO2025!
Operation co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund
