INNOBRIDGE

INNOBRIDGE
ESTABLISHMENT OF A CROSS-BORDER BUSINESS INNOVATION NETWORK

www.innobridge.org

Funding programme:
Romania-Bulgaria CBC Programme 2007-2013

Short description:

The general objectives of the Innobridge project were:

1. To contribute to the joint development of a sustainable socio-economic cross-border area with favorable image
2. To bring together people, communities and economies to build an integrated cooperative area exploiting their innovation potential

The specific objective of the project was to stimulate cross-border cooperation between universities, research institutes and businesses through development of a joint model for business innovation network and increase the capacity for a successful cooperation.

The objective of the project was achieved by implementing a specific 3-step approach for defining the different target groups and providing generic advice to the innovators depending on the stage of development of their idea; mentoring the most promising ideas and supporting the whole process for turning an idea into a real product/service. The whole action aimed at covering and addressing the needs of all three groups of stakeholders and encourage them to join their efforts and cooperate.

A Business and Innovation Centre was established as a result of the project which is at present a member of EBN – the Pan-European network of 130+ certified EU BICs (business and innovation centres) and 45+ Associates members in over 33 countries. EBN is also a community of professionals whose day-to-day work helps these businesses to grow in the most effective, efficient and sustainable way. The project was implemented in partnership with two other Bulgarian and Romanian associations.

Period of implementation: September 2010 - March 2012