Project Summary

SMEs are the core of economic growth in IPA ADRION regions. However, they lack in benefitting from science – business collaborations and in the framework of the quadruple helix innovation system. On the other hand, SMEs are considered pivotal in the development of innovative solutions and the uptake of those developed in university and research centres. The MISSION4WATER multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral strategic partnership aims to unlock the innovation potential of SMEs all across IPA ADRION countries fostering collaboration among diverse actors in the innovation ecosystem and cross-border and cross value chain collaborations. Doing so, MISSION4WATER contributes to supporting a smarter Adriatic and Ionian Region by strengthening the innovation capacity of the region. The thematic focus of the project is the development of green innovation and clean technologies, with particular attention to reducing pollutants dispersion in water. In fact, the IPA Adrion region is intrinsically linked to natural waters with its rivers and seas. Although the diverse efforts devoted to study the problem, there is still a huge gap in awareness and know-how related to how to deal with it. In addition, the solutions available on the market and the current actions are limited to solving specific issues of isolated value chains. Typically, these solutions are effective for a specific problem but have drawbacks if analysed from a wider perspective. Conversely, it is necessary to tackle the problem from different points of view, with a holistic and coordinated approach, where different actors from diverse value chains interact to create new interconnected solutions. A combination of supporting actions will foster the collaborative approach of the quadruple helix system, towards the joint development of innovative solutions tackling the issue of pollutants dispersion in water. MISSION4WATER aims at radically innovating 4 complementary value chains: polymers transformation, garments and textiles, household appliances, and water treatment and depuration. By fostering cooperation among SMEs and other organizations, it will be possible to identify new applications for available competencies, as well as the adoption of emerging technologies, thus possibly leading to the emergence of novel industries. Leveraging on the different planned activities, MISSION4WATER will be a large “co-innovation lab” where SMEs will receive support to generate and capitalize on all forms of knowledge and relevant emerging technologies. MISSION4WATER will accelerate the innovation led by SMEs through innovation services, multi-sectoral and cross-border collaborations, peer-learning activities and regional-tailored services to achieve a common goal, steered by a unique overall vision. This, in turn, will lead to the following changes to the current situation: 1) The adoption of the MISSION4WATER Co-Innovation model, a collaboration model, which will constitute the reference towards the establishment of long-lasting and effective goal- and innovation-driven collaboration ecosystem with organizations from the quadruple helix. 2) The MISSION4WATER Co-Innovation model is the product of the joined action against pollutants dispersion in water and the best practices learned during the execution of three iterative cycles of use cases involving knowledge sharing, matching expertise and collaborative open innovation. The actors involved will have a shared vision on the impact of water pollutants and on the potential synergies and contributions to tackle such environmental challenge through their businesses or institutional activities, while enhancing their competitiveness. 3) The establishment of an agreement signed by at least 5 organizations reached within the project, to ensure continuity of the collaboration model after the conclusion of the project. 4) The activities of the co-innovation labs will lead to the development of original solutions addressing one of the following areas: (i) Awareness and behavioural changes; (ii) Preventing Microplastics release; (iii) Preventing other pollutants release; (iv) Mitigating Microplastics release; (v) Mitigating other pollutants release. In total we expect to develop 20 innovative solutions; of these, at least 10 will be uptaken by project partners and/or other organizations. The key innovative aspects of the MISSION4WATER project lie in the following features: - Shared knowledge and joint vision with representatives of all parties of the quadruple helix on the priorities to tackle the pollutants dispersion challenge; - Cross-borders and cross-sectoral original solutions boosted by the connection of 4 value chains; - Joint cooperation among different quadruple-helix players in the perspective of setting up pilot innovation initiatives. MISSION4WATER will enable the reciprocal knowledge exchange among the 4 value chains and within all the actors developing new forms of cooperation led by a single main purpose.