Transnational cluster cooperation in the Danube region focusing on Agrofood (Danube S3 Cluster )

Innovation performance within the Danube region currently varies considerably, especially between the eastern and western regions. This discrepancy can be attributed to differing framework conditions and research and innovation policies. In many cases, there is a lack of national coordination as well as investment policies that use smart specialisation strategies (S3) to identify strengths and competitive advantages of individual regions. 

The aim of the INTERREG project Danube S3 Cluster was to improve competences in innovation management, to promote transnational cluster cooperation in the agro-food sector and to support smart and coordinated cluster policies. To achieve this, fourteen project partners have developed a strategy and a program, which has been tested in five pilot initiatives (in Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, Moldova and Ukraine). The pilot initiatives were implemented in three cross-cutting themes Open Innovation, Healthy Food, and Models that Work in Circular Economy.

As project partner, Steinbeis-Europa-Zentrum was responsible for: the development of an action plan for healthy nutrition in Romania; the development of an audit tool for cluster managers and members; the development of a strategy for the improvement of cluster policy in the Danube region; the mapping the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on the food and agriculture sector; the implementation of trainings on innovation management and internationalisation; the communication activities.

Further information:

  • Project name acronym: Danube S3 Cluster 
  • Funding: European Commission, INTEREG Danube Transnational Programme
  • Funding budget for all partners: 1,8 Mio EUR
  • Participating countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia
  • Project duration: 07/2018 – 12/2021

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