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Igniting Europe’s creative spark for regional growth

Creative industries, which are often concentrated in highly innovative regional clusters, have real potential to become catalysts for sustainable growth. By identifying possible areas of co-operation between the creative and ICT sectors, an EU-funded project has sought to encourage and develop such potential.

Safeguarding Mediterranean forests to beat climate change

The degradation of forests in the Mediterranean region due to climate change poses a significant threat to resources such as water, soil and biodiversity. By adjusting forest-management expertise to meet regional needs, however, an EU-funded project has shown that the future need not seem so bleak.

Branching out to grow healthy forests

Healthy, sustainable forests are vital to Europe’s economic and environmental well-being, and it is regions that must play a leading role in developing new management strategies, a new EU-funded project reveals.

Helping to unravel the mysteries of the genome

Genetics is an area of scientific research that is opening up a world of new possibilities. For example, genotyping – the process of determining differences in genetic make-up through examining DNA sequences – could lead to new treatments for hereditary diseases. Investment in the Estonian Genome Project at Tartu University should place Estonia at the cutting edge of this research.

Serbia is a rising star in astronomical research

Pushing the boundaries of astronomy is only possible if you have the latest technology at hand. An EU-funded project aims to ensure that the Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade is equipped to become one of Europe’s most dynamic and competitive centres of discovery.

Driving innovation and excellence in communication technology

Radio-frequency micro-electro-mechanical systems (RF MEMS) are still seen as emerging technologies even though some of them are already widely used in the mobile phones, satellite systems and computer-data transmissions which are part of modern life.

Protecting Europe’s coastal zones with satellite technology

Accurate determination and monitoring of sea-level changes are crucial to understanding the ocean’s influence on weather patterns and long-term climate change. An EU-funded project has helped to ensure that one of Europe’s more remote regions can play a pivotal role in this crucial area of scientific research for years to come.

Making the connection between food and health

The old adage says that “you are what you eat” – a concept which has become a growing concern for those who wonder what effect food may be having on their bodies. With this in mind, research into the connection between food production, health and well-being has become increasingly important.

Regional aeronautics expertise offers a bright green future

An innovative new project to facilitate regional expertise in green aeronautics technology was launched in early 2012. For a multi-billion euro global industry facing significant environmental challenges, this project could have a significant impact and open up new commercial opportunities.

Linking sustainable energy to regional prosperity

The conversion of biomass into energy is increasingly seen as a vital component of a sustainable energy policy. Harnessing and encouraging regional know-how will help to ensure that this policy is effectively implemented.

Material benefits in promoting cutting-edge composites research

Innovative composite materials, which combine two or more organic or inorganic components, represent some of the most important developments in aviation design. Ongoing research is essential to achieve faster, safer and more fuel-efficient travel, and an EU project aims to ensure that Poland plays a crucial role in European efforts to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Exploring the Adriatic: underwater expertise in Croatia

Croatia, a country with a proud maritime history, is looking to the future. An EU-funded project is expected to help Croatia become a world leader in underwater systems and technologies, which could have a positive knock-on effect for the whole Adriatic region.

Closer regional co-operation to improve mental health care

Care for people with dementia is a major concern in many European countries. While research organisations across Europe's regions have a proven scientific record of excellence in the fields of neurology, genetics, and neurophysiology, closer coordination could bring even more benefits to patients and carers. This is the ultimate goal of the EU-funded Neurorescue project.

Supporting high-tech solutions for meeting the world's energy needs

The 20th century saw a rapid increase in population and an explosive growth in energy consumption. As the family of industrialised countries continues to grow, even more energy is and will be needed. The EU-funded RECENT project has been helping Poland's Institute of Thermal Technology to increase its research and development capacities in a field of fundamental importance to today's economy and the environment.
Igniting Europe’s creative spark for regional growth
Branching out to grow healthy forests
Branching out to grow healthy forests
Branching out to grow healthy forests
Belgrade initiative for space science, instrumentation and modelling in astrophysics
Driving innovation and excellence in communication technology
Protecting Europe’s coastal zones with satellite technology
Making the connection between food and health
Regional aeronautics expertise offers a bright green future
Branching out to grow healthy forests
Branching out to grow healthy forests
Branching out to grow healthy forests
Branching out to grow healthy forests
Branching out to grow healthy forests

Regional dimension of innovation

Encouraging and supporting regional excellence in innovation is a key component of ensuring that European research continues to flourish. The European Union plays an essential role in giving researchers from every corner of the EU the opportunity to develop their competences and to find suitable partners to collaborate with.

As part of the EU’s Seventh Framework Programme (2007-2013), two FP7 programmes focusing on regional aspects – Research Potential and Regions of Knowledge – have been launched. The Regions of Knowledge programme aims to strengthen the research potential of European regions by encouraging and supporting regional 'research-driven clusters'. Research Potential is supporting research entities established in the EU´s Convergence and Outermost regions by unlocking existing or emerging excellence.

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