Innovation Beyond SK-AT Boundaries: The Dialogue Continues
The Twin City Project Development Lab workshop, which took place on June 22 in Bratislava, reaffirmed the strategic dialogue on how the existing strengths and stakeholders of the cross-border innovation region of Vienna–Bratislava can be better interconnected to develop concrete projects with a sustainable impact—rather than creating new structures.
Highlights
The idea for the SK–AT Innovation Panel has emerged: to establish a lean strategic coordination platform for the innovation ecosystem of the Vienna–Bratislava region.
- Development of a shared innovation identity for the Twin City region.
- Positioning the region internationally as a shared innovation ecosystem.
- Better coordination among cities, regions, universities, industry, and innovation organizations.
- Focus on coordination, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives—not on establishing yet another administrative institution.
Other topics discussed:
- Cross-Border Incubation System
- AI Adoption Programme for SMEs
- Network for Advanced Manufacturing Testbeds
Common guiding principles emerged in all working groups:
- Leverage existing strengths
- Increase visibility
- Creating Practical Value
- Institutionalize collaboration —through streamlined governance mechanisms such as memoranda of understanding.
- Strengthen strategic coordination
The workshop clearly demonstrated that all participants want to take the next step: the future development of the Vienna–Bratislava Innovation Region should build on existing strengths, better connect stakeholders, promote knowledge transfer, and create sustainable added value for the SK-AT Innovation Region through concrete pilot projects.
