The project strengthens regional innovation ecosystems in coal-dependent areas by creating regional excellence hubs and defining a joint strategic agenda for sustainable energy. Its goal is to facilitate a just and inclusive transition in these regions. The selected regions—Western Macedonia (GR), Centru (RO), and Southeastern (BG)—are EU states in transition, aiming to maximize the long-term impact of the joint R&I strategy. The project targets mobilizing significant funding and generating multiplier effects by attracting external investments to support the regions’ transition and sustainable energy efforts.
COALition – Promoting innovation excellence in transformation of coal regions to climate-neutral, thriving economies
Client: European Research Executive Agency (REA)
Status: On-going
Starting Date: 01/01/2023
End Date: 30/12/2026
KiNNO responsibility:
- R&I Strategies & Action Plans: Creating a Research & Innovation Strategy for coal transition regions focusing on twin transition (digital and green transformation). Assisting in the creation of action and investment plans to promote the twin transition in coal transition regions.
- Knowledge Valorisation Methodology: Designing tools and methodologies for establishing robust regional innovation ecosystems in coal transition regions.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship Capacity Building: Providing capacity-building workshops and innovation missions for researchers and employees in coal regions to enhance their innovation and entrepreneurship skills.
- Design & Operation of Innovation Support Structures: Training Project Partners on Creating and Operating Excellence Hubs.
- Economic Feasibility Studies: Creating feasibility plans for selected pilot projects in sustainable energy and environmental sectors within coal transition regions
This project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Framework Programme under grant agreement No 101087022. However, views and opinions are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily express those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.