The launch of six working groups for the implementation of a Joint Smart Specialisation Strategy for the Macaronesia territory took place this Wednesday in a virtual environment as part of the RIS3-Net2 project.

The main goal of the RIS3-Net2 project is to turn the MAC into a reference for the development and effective implementation of a Transregional Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3MAC), supporting other regions, especially Outermost Regions, in the development of joint RIS3 strategies and boosting their RD&I growth.

The project consortium, with the support of a specialized company, is developing the implementation of a Joint Smart Specialization Strategy for the cooperation area, Azores-Madeira-Canary Islands. It will actively involve various stakeholders from each Region in the six working groups in the areas of tourism, agro-industry, marine-maritime affairs, circular economy and biosustainability, health and welfare, and ICT.

These working groups will analyse and share, throughout 18 sessions, key findings on the current situation of R&D+I in Macaronesia as well as identify and explore new ideas for potential cooperative initiatives and projects with transformational impact. Accordingly, this project will result in a document that will congregate contributions, strategies, actions, recommendations and conclusions.

As regards the Autonomous Region of the Azores, the Regional Fund for Science and Technology (FRCT) and the Regional Directorate for Science and Digital Transition (DRCTD) are part of this consortium.

Financed by the INTERREG MAC 2014-2020 Territorial Cooperation Programme, the RIS3-Net 2 project aims to accompany the European Agenda for Smart Specialisation – S4 by promoting regional and transregional cooperation, technology and knowledge transfer. It also contributes to a more efficient implementation of the RIS3 Azores strategy, contributing to public policies on science, technology and innovation.

For more information or additional clarifications, those who are interested should contact the Regional Fund for Science and Technology at the email [email protected].