Oost NL Elected President of EURADA to Boost SME Innovation
Oost NL, now president of EURADA, aims to connect SMEs to European innovation opportunities, underlining the pivotal role of regional innovation.
A Strategic Step for Regional Development
On Thursday, 6 June 2024, Oost NL officially took on the presidency of EURADA, marking a significant milestone for regional development agencies in Europe. EURADA, established in 1992 and headquartered in Brussels, serves as a vital network for 59 regional development agencies across 16 countries within the European Union and beyond[1]. The new presidency underscores the commitment to enhancing cooperation among European regions and emphasizes the crucial role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving innovation.
Leadership and Vision
Theo Föllings, the Director of Innovation at Oost NL, has been appointed as the new president of EURADA. Föllings’ vision for his three-year term includes bolstering the influence of regional innovation policies and ensuring that more SMEs in Oost-Nederland leverage European resources[2]. His leadership aims to amplify the voice of regional agencies in Brussels, advocating for policies that cater to the unique needs of regional innovators.
Achievements and Future Plans
Oost NL, along with ROM Utrecht Region, has already seen success through their EURADA membership. They have effectively lobbied for the I3 initiative, which provides subsidies to innovative projects, and have organized numerous knowledge exchange events. This track record of collaboration and success sets a promising precedent for future initiatives under Föllings’ presidency[1][2].
Enhancing Collaboration and Impact
A key focus of the new EURADA leadership will be increasing the collective impact of its members. The General Assembly and AGORADA, EURADA’s key annual events, will play a crucial role in facilitating this collaboration. These events bring together representatives from all 59 member agencies, fostering dialogue and joint initiatives[2]. Föllings has expressed his anticipation for robust cooperation with the new board and the EURADA secretariat, aiming to enhance the overall impact of regional development agencies across Europe.
Supporting SMEs Through Innovation
One of the primary goals of the EURADA presidency is to connect SMEs with European innovation opportunities. This includes leveraging European instruments to support regional innovators, especially through mechanisms like Cascade Funding. Cascade Funding, utilized by the European Commission to support R&D&I projects, offers financial support ranging from €60,000 to €250,000 with simplified justification and payment processes[3]. EURADA has developed methodologies to identify these funding projects early and aid in their dissemination across regions, thus providing SMEs with the necessary resources to thrive.
Looking Ahead
As Oost NL navigates its presidency, the focus remains on regional innovation and the empowerment of SMEs. The upcoming webinar on 12 June 2024 on ‘Promoting Internationalisation of R&D&I in SMEs through Cascade Funding Calls’ is one of many initiatives aimed at supporting SMEs and startups[3]. With Theo Föllings at the helm, EURADA is poised to make significant strides in fostering regional development and innovation across Europe.