1. “Innovation Eco-System in the CBC area” (INNOV8)
THE EUROPEAN UNION’S CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION PROGRAMME
“Innovation Eco-System in the CBC area” (INNOV8)
A project implemented by:
This project is funded by
the European Union
EuroPartners Development

2. Objective
Contribute to increased competitiveness & trade in CBC area, through facilitating transfer of know-how and technologies among start-ups and SMEs
Specific Objective:
Establishment of innovation support infrastructure for transfer of know-how and technologies among start-ups and SMEs between Macedonia and Albania.

3. Partners EuroPartners Development (LP)
National Agency for Research, Technology and Innovation from Albania
(PP)
National Centre for Development of Innovation and Entrepreneurial Learning from Macedonia
Fund for Innovation and Technological Development from Macedonia
Partners

4. Target Group 2 universities, research centres,
First Level
2 universities,
research centres,
educational institutions
Second Level
start-ups
SMEs in CBC area
Third Level
municipalities and regional authorities,
chambers of commerce and
associations of businesses.

5. INNOV8 Methodology
Research
Capacity Building
Sub-Granting
Networking

6. Research Study – WP1 Study-WP1 StudyWP3
2 Meta-analysis on present innovation status and studies in MK and AL
Study-WP1
1 Research on innovation potential in the CBC area on Albanian side
2 Feasibility study for establishing CBC innovation hubs in target areas
StudyWP3
Studies completed from June – December 2018 in three languages (ALB, ENG, MKD)
2 Business Strategy for functioning innovation hub in CBC area

7. Research Snapshot of studies www.innov8cbc.com

8. Capacity Building Establish cross-border innovation platform
Organized 2 inception meetings with universities (“Fan Noli” in Korca & “St. Kliment Ohridski’’ in Ohrid), Part of working groups are ( Municipality of Korca & Ohrid, Chamber of Commerce in Korca, Regional Council of Korca, research centres/NGOs in CBC areas

9. Capacity Building
MoU on the innovation hubs between two Universities is finalized and approved. The signing ceremony will take place in February
Innovation hub in University “Fan Noli “ in Korca is furnished

10. Memorandum of Understanding
MoU is worthwhile under higher education law regulations in both countries, including all empowered internal or respective institutional organization charts.
The two Parts/Beneficiaries will share the advanced know-how technologies
Promote Start-Ups and SMEs in local and regional events.
Organize interactive events, business presentations, demo-days where Start-Ups exhibit their ideas, projects and products.
Lobbying of new ideas to appropriate authorities for their advancement.
Enhance the cooperation among stakeholders and support new ideas for further investment.
Establish professional regional networks.

11. Innovation hub in Ohrid
Equipment, furniture and works have been procured and the innovation hub is expected to be refurbished by the end of February '19

12. Capacity Building
2 part-time University staff selected in Innovation hub in Korca
2 part-time University staff in Ohrid expected to be selected in February
Part-time staff will provide services such as:
Help start -ups with business basics
Develop with students networking activities
Provide marketing assistance to SME/ start-ups
Market research when is required
Market the new idea and urge their development
Develop presentation and managerial skills to run a business.
Create business plans
Organize innovation eco-system workshops
Conduct regional competition and fundraising
Develop new innovation teaching materials

13. Working Group established in Korca
Innovation Hub at University
Chamber of Commerce in Korca
Municipality of Korca
Researchers
NGOs in Korca
Prefecture of Korca
Regional Council of Korca

15. Project Logo
Logo INNOV8 - approved by project partners and is being registered to the General Directorate of Patent and Trademark
The Ohrid Lake is the common symbol

16. Promotional materials to be produced in February once INNOV8 Logo will be registered
Notebook
E-bulletin
Pens
T-shirts
Hats
TV Advertisement
facebook

17. Sub-Granting
Sub-Granting to 10 start-ups /SMES initatives in CBC area
5000 €
Due in February -March ‘19
Provide mentoring to selected grantees
Due in April – December ‘19
Demo Days for grantees’ mini-project
ToR for the sub-grantees are being drafted and will be discussed/finalised with Working Groups in February. The call due to be launched in February.

18. Communication/PR of Innovation Hubs
Conference
TV Advertisement
Promotional materials (pen, notebooks, leaflets)
Innovation Hub

19. INNOV8 At the end of project there will be at least:
2 promoted innovation hubs ( eco-system)
5 – 10 supported innovative ideas
two established working group
4 produced studies
University staff capacity bult
Extended network