Shaping Innovation Together Across Borders
Representatives from the Austrian-Slovak border regions and capital cities, universities, business agencies, incubators, innovation hubs, as well as industry and NGOs, met online and in person in Hainburg an der Donau and Bratislava from March through June 2026 to discuss the potential for future joint cross-border initiatives and develop initial ideas.
A Region with a Vision
Following discussions in March and May 2026, the focus in June in Bratislava was on the idea of concrete project development. What is the SK-AT cross-border innovation region all about?
The innovation region is based on pilot projects, activities, and partnerships that collectively shape a sustainable, future-proof innovation ecosystem for industry in Bratislava-Vienna corridor and neighboring regions.
So far, we have worked together to further develop these key topics:
SK-AT Innovation Panel
To strengthen strategic coordination and the international positioning of the Twin City Hub innovation region.
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Cross-Border Incubation System
To link existing funding programs and provide better support to manufacturing startups as they expand across borders.
» more
AI Adoption Program for SMEs
To promote the practical implementation of artificial intelligence through knowledge transfer, awareness-raising, and hands-on support.
» more
Advanced Manufacturing Testbed Network
To improve access to laboratories, test beds, and pilot sites by connecting existing innovation infrastructures throughout the cross-border region.
» more
Twin City Community
Building a vibrant culture of innovation with the participation of all relevant stakeholders.
» more
Impressions
Content & Ideas
- On March 18, 2026, at the Interreg Slovakia-Austria online policy roundtable on the future of the Slovakia-Austria cross-border innovation region, innovation and strategy stakeholders from the regions of Bratislava, Trnava, Burgenland, Lower Austria, and Vienna, as well as representatives from the capital cities and ministries, gathered in this configuration for the first time. The Vienna-Bratislava region has all the necessary ingredients to become a leading cross-border innovation ecosystem in Europe. The primary challenge is not capability, but rather coordination and implementation. More.
- On May 4, 2026, the first in-person meeting of the SK-AT working group took place in Hainburg an der Donau. Key topics included collaboration with universities, support for startups and cross-border acceleration, the positioning of the Trnava region, technology transfer, key technologies for stronger SK-AT supply chains, and insights into SMEs. More.
- The Twin City Project Development Lab Workshop, which took place on June 22, 2026, in Bratislava, reaffirmed the strategic dialogue on how to better connect the existing strengths and stakeholders of the Vienna–Bratislava cross-border innovation region in order to develop concrete projects with a sustainable impact. More.
The Way Forward
- The SK-AT Policy Workshop Series was not just a presentation and discussion, but a kickoff for identifying common topics and fostering meaningful cross-border cooperation in the field of innovation in the manufacturing sector. In the coming months, we would like to further develop these core ideas.
- Mission: SK-AT Manufacturing Innovation (Incubation, Education & Talent, Businesses, Twin City Hub Innovation Region Brand)
Vision: Strengthen cross-border cooperation, promote competitiveness
Strong Together
The SK-AT Policy Workshop Series has helped form a strong network and laid an important foundation for future collaboration. Together, we want to rethink innovation in the industry in new, cross-border ways. Join us!
Would you like to help shape one of the pilot projects or participate as a company, startup, research institution, or public organization?
We look forward to hearing from you. Together, we will develop innovative solutions and strengthen the Austria–Slovakia cross-border innovation region.
