The FORWARD project aims to enhance the visibility and recognition of the research & innovation (R&I’s) capabilities and expertise in the Outermost Regions (ORs) by promoting research excellence and innovation potential in the Outermost Regions (ORs). Through a diagnosis of R&I ecosystems in the ORs, it is intended to define a joint strategy of thematic action plans adjusted to strengthen participation by these regions in EU-funded research and innovation projects, networking, capacity building, as well as strengthening the link between research and policy making. This project also aims to contribute to the review of RIS3, in particular by providing data on the diagnosis and mapping of the regional ecosystem of the ORs, the conclusions and guidelines of the thematic groups and the construction of joint policies, linking researchers and policy makers.

In FORWARD, FRCT is leader of the WP4 - Capacity Building and Training, which aims to propose a methodology for the construction of the Training Plan for FORWARD in the ORs, as well as implement regionally and monitor the implementation at the level of the ORs. Also, FRCT is responsible to develop the Deliverable 2.5 that aims to design a Joint strategy for the FORWARD project, as the backbone for all the work packages.


Impact on the Azores Region:
The FORWARD project has as its starting point the diagnosis of regional performance in terms of European funding in the area of R&I for the implementation of more effective measures and adjusted to the needs of the actors of the R&I ecosystem in the Azores and the Outermost Regions (RUP). This diagnosis will allow FORWARD to implement a Training Plan adapted to the needs of the Azores R&I actors and the ORs for a more effective participation in the European R&I Framework Programmes (H2020, FP9 and others), as well as the international reach. Among other objectives, the project also intends to establish thematic groups, composed of experts from all ORs, for the development of action plans targeted in the strategic areas of these regions. FORWARD also aims to strengthen the network between research and policy makers, in order to adjust the development of policies to stimulate innovation and research in the ORs.

A total EU contribution of EUR 4 277 423.21, at 100%, to all partners. Of these total, EUR 252 875.00 is allocated to the FRCT.

Other Regional Institutions involved:
University of the Azores (UAc); Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Azores (CCIA)

Regional Stakeholders Involved: The quadruplet helix of the R&I ecosystem: public entities, private sector, university, research centres, individual researchers and the general society.