Our vision is to “co-create Europe'' through a 21st century mindset, methodology, skills and tools, closing the innovation gap between “innovation leaders” and “moderate/modest innovators”. We rely on inclusion and active participation of actors, institutions and places that collaborate to maximize the value of innovation to society and ensure equitable diffusion of its benefits. BOOST project proposes a systemic approach, both inclusive and collaborative, to strengthen innovation ecosystems in Europe. The main aim of BOOST project is to increase the scope and efficiency of interregional collaboration among project partners and their regional innovation ecosystems, in the following thematic areas: Industry 4.0, Cleantech and Green Transition, Health & Well-being, and ICT & Digital Transformation, by designing a structural (multi-dimensional) Interregional Collaboration Framework (ICF), develop tools and mechanisms that enable and support the operationalization and scale up of the ICF among Smart Regions, and contribute to the transition towards Green and Digital Regional development models and policies in Europe. BOOST proposes a two-phase implementation process: (1) first the co-design and co-development of project’s core concepts: Vision, mission, ICF and Unique Selling Proposition, and initiating the BOOST community and collaboration Corridor; and (2) second to set up and mature the ICF among Smart Regions by developing a joint 5-year Innovation Action Plan, aligned with regional/national/EU innovation policies and synchronized with innovation funding mechanisms across partner regions and EU. The consortium brings together 4 partners (TIT, NWRDA, BBF and CLDI) from 3 modest and moderate innovator countries Bulgaria, Romania, and Spain, and 2 partners (VK and TSP) from 2 lead innovator countries Denmark and Estonia, enhancing exchange of innovation and boost best practices at the level of public and private stakeholders.

The “Mind the Gap” project unites 7 partners (3 HEIs, 2 business partners & 2 NGOs) from diverse European innovation regions to bridge the gap between academic research and market-ready innovations. The project aims to 1) foster entrepreneurial skills among students & researchers, 2) enhance universities' capacity to support innovators, and 3) stimulate entrepreneurial activity across Europe. Using the 4Cs Framework, the project connects academia, business, and policy actors, creating a dynamic, inclusive innovation ecosystem. Key actions include 1) developing new entrepreneurial courses, 2) tailoring PhD programs, 3) integrating business acceleration, and 4) connecting stakeholders across regions. Addressing six expected call outcomes (i.e., 1) improved knowledge flows, 2) enhanced skills, 3) increased competence, 4) availability of local talents, 5) boosted entrepreneurial activity, and 6) increased youth employability), the project contributes to the New European Innovation Agenda, the European Green Deal, and the EIT HEI Initiative. Leveraging networks from EU initiatives such as CloudEARTHi, SEEDplus, and Inspiring the Minds, the consortium uses its vast expertise in academic-industry partnerships and entrepreneurship to position HEIs as engines of change, driving sustainable growth and strategic autonomy. The consortium’s diverse representation strengthens the Smart Specialization Strategies of partner countries. The project implements measures to promote gender balance, adhere to open science policies, and ensure the long-term sustainability of its activities beyond the project’s end. Through an extensive outreach and dissemination plan, it engages stakeholders—including students, researchers, university staff, policymakers, and the business sector—to position HEIs as leaders in driving Europe’s economic growth, spearheading the global deep tech wave, advancing the green transition, and strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness globally.