Slovak Alliance for Innovation Economy – SAPIE

SAPIE is an independent and non-profit platform whose mission is to empower the Slovak innovation ecosystem. It’s the largest professional association representing almost 200 member companies and organizations.

About SAPIE

SAPIE is a leading platform for policy debate on digital economy and innovation in Slovakia aspiring to unite leaders within the CEE region. It is active in forming collaborative networks of private and public actors, supporting the startup scene and community and enhancing digital transformation of SMEs within the CEE region. 

The policy efforts revolve around actively engaging with policymakers and governments to advocate for strategies and regulations that support innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth. 

SAPIE drives activities that increase digital, entrepreneurial and managerial skills. These activities enable companies and individuals to grow and succeed in a highly-competitive environment. SAPIE focuses on developing a thriving ecosystem that connects businesses, investors, research institutions, government and NGOs to collaborate, share knowledge, and drive economic growth. 

Why are we taking part?

“The Twin City Hub project contributes significantly to fulfilling SAPIE’s mission and goals, namely to support the growth of the knowledge economy in Slovakia. Thanks to this project, we will contribute to building a strong and competitive innovation ecosystem that will create excellent conditions for the business environment in both countries. We believe that thanks to this project, this region will become a place where new disruptive innovative solutions of pan-European significance are created.“ – Michal Číž, Program Director, SAPIE

SAPIE @ Twin City Hub

Within various activities, SAPIE in cooperation with partners will jointly work on drafting policy recommendations and operational frameworks to enhance manufacturing innovation between Austria and Slovakia, establishing a cross-border incubation program for manufacturing startups as well as connecting manufacturing companies with startups, researchers, and makers based on the Industry meets Makers concept. 

Tasks in the project

Goals and activities

Work Package 1  

• analyses of current innovation environment in Slovakia – regulatory framework, financial instruments, cross-sectoral collaboration
• consultations with relevant actors, in particular public sector stakeholders
• drafting of recommendations for strategies on governmental and regional levels 

Work Package 2 

• analyses of current environment for start-ups in Slovakia – infrastructures, financial support, collaborations, governmental support
• setting-up conditions for cross-border incubation programme
• running dissemination campaign in Slovakia and taking part in selection process
• supporting accent Inkubator as the work package leader, in conducting all cohorts of incubations programme

Work Package 4 

• preparation of the overall concept of the cross-border ‘Industry meets Makers’ format
• running dissemination campaign in Slovakia and encouraging corporates and innovators to participate