The Smart Project Consortium was held on the 25th - 27th of September in Dresden, Germany, graciously hosted by the Dresden University of Applied Sciences. During this significant visit, several essential topics were discussed with insightful presentations and discussions on the implemented and future activities within SMART Work Packages 1, 4, 5, 6, and 8.
The conversation delved into the various activities jointly implemented within the SMART centers. These initiatives aim to leverage the innovation centers‘ unique capabilities and resources to propel economic growth and development. These activities will focus on promoting cutting-edge research, nurturing startups, and facilitating technology transfer, thereby creating a robust innovation ecosystem.
A major focus was placed on strategies to effectively engage and promote the
centers to a wide array of stakeholders. This includes not only government entities and educational institutions but also private sector companies and international partners. The discussions highlighted the need for a list of services for each SMART Innovation Center that will be provided to stakeholders as well as promotion of the SMART Knowledge Network.
Another project topic was the plan for mapping stakeholders and preparation of several dissemination events (SMART Idea Contest, Regional Events, and End-of the conference) that will be organized during the final project year. Emphasizing the promotion of these centers as catalysts for economic development, the discussions underscored the importance of creating a seamless interface between academia, industry, and government.