A Smarter Europe (PO1)
Competitiveness and innovation are at the heart of current EU policies for the future of the Union. The objective is not only not to be left behind the other main international players, but also to lead the way when it comes to sustainable development. This can only be achieved as a collective and shared effort by all the stakeholders involved, especially when supporting research and innovation, digitisation and smart specialisation actions across the borders of the Union, via Policy Objective 1.
Interact supports programmes working with PO1 to exchange and capitalise on their experiences, to strengthen the delivery of effective and sustainable solutions. The goal is to develop and share knowledge in order to support programming, project management, as well as the collection and communication of results and impact and to further the creation of synergies among different Programmes working on the same topics.
The thematic network works on all the topics covered by PO1, namely research and innovation, digitisation, smart specialisation and SME competitiveness and growth.
Who this network is for
The network is open to programme representatives involved in the management and communication of projects under PO1. It will also invite thematic experts, European Commission and institutional representatives, stakeholders and other EU co-funding programmes that are interested in working on this topic.
Why join us?
- Gain valuable knowledge on innovation and competitiveness issues.
- Learn from others’ experiences and share your own.
- Promote your programme’s success stories.
- Be part of an enthusiastic group working towards more efficient, impactful cooperation.
What we are working on
- Supporting programmes: We help programmes manage challenges like attracting participants, balancing top-down and bottom-up approaches, guiding project applicants and capitalising on results.
- Sharing success: We highlight the value of PO1 and showcase achievements in innovation and competitiveness by sharing successful project examples from across the Interreg community.
- Analysing data: We address specific policy topics, collect data, and share the results widely through events, articles, and reports.
The plan for 2026
This year we are planning to concentrate our efforts on two main topics: "disruptive" innovation and the involvement of the private sectors (mainly SMEs) in Interreg projects and programmes. With regards to the involvement of the private sector, we are working on a clear, easy-to-use factsheet to help programme officers navigate current Regulations. This will be launched at a webinar planned for the beginning of May. Our plan is also to invite programmes who are finding it hard to work with and involve the private sector to visit some good practices by Interreg programmes, via a "roadshow" which will take place in mid October. Finally, as innovation is difficult to plan for and manage, we thought of organising an ad-hoc in-presence event at the beginning of September to raise the capacities of programme managers when dealing with unexpected projects. With the aid of external experts and some Interact magic, we aim to give you the tools to face any disruptive challenge!
Contact
If you want to join the community, share your project stories, or simply learn more, reach out to Valeria Cibrario.
Want to exchange on this topic?
Interact offers an online space for those working with PO1, as well as other Policy Objectives to share information and exchange in our Inter programme collaboration network. You can find out more about our MS Teams environment on our Networks page, and see all our networks in our Portal.
If you would like to learn more about this, please contact Valeria Cibrario
Have a look at our library
Interreg Smarter Europe Network Meeting (Jan 2025)
Financing Research & Innovation | Interreg's added Value [Gorizia, 28th March 2025]
Circular Solutions Powered by Cooperation - Webinar (June 2025)
Recent Events
Full Circle: From Lessons Learned to Future Possibilities - Circular Economy and Interreg
22 October 25 | Salzburg, Austria
