AN INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION PROJECT FOR IMPROVING RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CAPACITIES POLICIES
ABOUT
CODIL aims to improve regional innovation policy instruments to better support the emerging distributed-team innovation model and its key component – highly skilled mobile knowledge workers.
- We specifically address how the revolution in the way highly skilled knowledge workers now collaborate, enabled by disruptive technology, impacts our regional innovation patterns and models;
- We recognise that policy choices that can attract knowledge workers are key for a successful innovation trajectory for the region;
- We demonstrate how selective development of regional competences in disruptive technology can also enhance innovation performance.
Our ultimate goal is to improve regional policy instruments and create an enabling environment for the distributed-team innovation model across European regions.
CURRENT STATUS
The CODIL Project continues progressing successfully, achieving significant milestones and advancing efforts to establish an enabling environment for the distributed-team innovation model. As we transition into the next phase, here’s a summary of the activities completed during the fourth project semester.
During this period, the project has made strides with a thematic workshop, an in-person project meeting, and multiple staff exchanges. We also initiated peer reviews among participating regions and began monitoring potential improvements to the policy instruments addressed by CODIL. Additionally, we concluded the collection of Good Practices, reaching 14 in total, with one more added this semester. These examples have proven to be vital learning resources, and we plan to continue gathering Good Practices to further enrich the project. A video showcasing the selected Good Practices was also
published.
Thanks to the dedication of all partners and stakeholders, the project remains on track, marking key milestones and paving the way for future achievements.
PAST EVENTS
Thematic Workshop: Driving Social Innovation in Cantabria’s Regional Ecosystem in Santander, Cantabria (Spain)
5-6 November 2024
From 5–7 November 2024, the CODIL Project partners convened in Santander, Cantabria (Spain) for a thematic workshop and a series of immersive exchanges, designed to deepen collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and practical insights into fostering social innovation. These events marked another step forward in the CODIL Project’s mission to create a robust, distributed innovation model and enhance policy instruments that support digital
transformation and innovation across regions.
The workshop centered on “The Role of Social Innovation in Regional Innovation Ecosystems”, exploring how Cantabria’s approach to innovation addresses pressing social challenges while promoting regional economic growth. Participants gained insight into Cantabria’s RIS3 Innovation
Strategy, designed to align policy-making with societal needs and opportunities for sustainable development.
Highlights from the workshop included case studies of exemplary social innovation practices, such as:
- Super de los Pastores: A network of local supermarkets fostering community bonds and supporting local producers.
- AMICA: A leading organization that supports individuals with disabilities, serving as a benchmark for inclusive and innovative social services.
- Fundación ONCE: An organization dedicated to social integration, training, and employment for people with disabilities, showcasing solutions that
combine accessibility with empowerment.
This workshop offered partners a profound understanding of how social innovation can stimulate regional ecosystems and become a driver for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The 6–7 November staff exchanges provided CODIL partners with an unparalleled opportunity to engage with key actors within Cantabria’s innovation ecosystem. These visits offered practical exposure to models and approaches that facilitate innovation while addressing pressing societal needs.
Key activities included:
- Visit to AMPROS: This foundation aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families. Partners observed how AMPROS applies innovative solutions to provide holistic support, create employment opportunities, and strengthen social inclusion.
- Xtela Tower Exploration: Xtela Tower exemplifies regional innovation through its support of startups and entrepreneurial ventures. During the visit, participants learned about its collaborative spaces, resources for fostering entrepreneurship, and specific initiatives like the startup Deduce, which shared its journey, challenges, and innovative approach.
- IHCantabria at the University of Cantabria: This visit highlighted the cutting-edge research conducted by the Institute of Environmental Hydraulics (IHCantabria) in partnership with the regional government. Participants gained insight into how interdisciplinary collaboration and applied research drive sustainable innovation aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The staff exchange sessions were interactive, fostering peer-to-peer learning and enabling participants to engage directly with stakeholders, ask questions, and explore replicable models for their regions.
Staff Exchange in Ireland
29-30 January 2025
CODIL successfully organized another staff exchange hosted by our partner Údarás na Gaeltachta in Ireland. This engaging event brought together takeholders from our project partners LMT and RCSO, promoting collaboration and the sharing of valuable insights.
Participants had the opportunity to attend a series of insightful presentations on a range of topics, including regional developments, co-working spaces, and best practices in digital hubs. Meaningful discussions allowed attendees to deepen their understanding of how to attract distributed team workers and enhance the appeal of digital hubs. Featured tours of local digital hubs, including gteic@An Cheathrú Rua and gteic@An Spidéal, provided participants with a chance to connect with local elected officials and explore the innovative work being done in the region.
ADDITIONAL GOOD PRACTICES COLLECTED
Explore the wealth of Good Practices we have gathered within CODIL
LAVAL VIRTUAL REALITY CLUSTER
How constant support to innovation and cutting-edge immersive technologies has enabled Laval, a city of 50,000 inhabitants, to become the European capital of Virtual Reality.
Over the last 25 years, the various teams in charge of decision-making at Laval Agglomeration have supported the development of innovation in the Laval area, particularly in the field of virtual reality and immersive technologies, enabling the development of research laboratories, higher education institute and the creation of companies in this field, not to mention Laval Virtual, the Europe’s nr 1 VR / AR / XR event since 1999.
Learn more about this Good Practice at: https://www.interregeurope.eu/goodpractices/greasan-gteicdigiteach-na-gaeltachtathe-gaeltacht-gteic-digital-network
UPCOMING EVENTS
Interregional Event & Thematic Workshop “New business models for sustainable innovation hubs”
8-9 April 2025, Laval, France
Event Aim: This workshop aims to explore and develop innovative business models that address the challenges of reduced occupation levels caused by company delocalisation and the rise of remote work. In addition, project partners will have the opportunity to attend the renowned Laval Virtual Conference on Immersive Technologies, held from 9 to 11 April 2025.
Staff Exchange in Laval, France
9-10 April 2025
JOIN US IN ENHANCING REGIONAL CAPACITIES TO ADDRESS INNOVATION!
Our Project Partnership
- University of Ljubljana (SI) (Lead Partner)
- Údarás na Gaeltachta (IE)
- Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia (FI)
- West Romania Regional Development Agency (RO)
- Regional Government of Cantabria (ES)
- Laval Mayenne Technopole (FR)
Associated Partners
- Ministry of Digital Transformation, Slovenia
- Laval Agglomeration, France
Get in touch with us!
- Jurij Verhovnik, Project Coordinator, University of Ljubljana (Lead Partner):
jurij.verhovnik@fe.uni-lj.si - Micheál Ó Duibhir, Regional Project Coordinator, Údarás na Gaeltachta:
m.oduibhir@udaras.ie - Tuisku Päivi, Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia:
paivi.tuisku@etela-pohjanmaa.fi - Cristin Cistelecan, Regional project Coordinator, West Romania Regional Development Agency:
Cristin.Cistelecan@adrvest.ro - Aránzazu de la Pedraja Murgoitio, Regional Project Coordinator, Regional Government of Cantabria:
delapedraja_ma@cantabria.es - Valerie Moreau, Regional Project Coordinator, Laval Mayenne Technopole:
valerie.moreau@lavaltechnopole.fr
Future newsletters
Make sure to stay tuned on our project webpage and social media accounts for the release of more information on CODIL. Our project newsletters are expected to be released every six months and will focus on project updates and interesting aspects of the project.
