Driving Innovation in the Danube Region: Highlights from the Danube Transfer Centre Network Ceremony and the Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region in Vienna

The 13th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) took place this year in Vienna, Austria, marking a pivotal gathering of key stakeholders committed to shaping the future of the region. This year's forum centered on the theme of sustainable development and innovation, with a special emphasis on the transformative role of cities in driving the Danube region towards a greener future.

The forum, held amidst Vienna's historic backdrop, brought together policymakers, business leaders, and representatives from academia to explore pressing geopolitical aspects affecting the region. Discussions revolved around strategies to leverage sustainable practices and foster economic growth while preserving the Danube's environmental integrity.

At the forum, the Danube Transfer Center (DTC) Network, under the coordination of Steinbeis Europa Zentrum, convened for their annual DTC Ceremony. The event began with keynote speeches centered around the theme "Danube Region going Green & Digital: Fostering Innovation & Technology Transfer, Building Skills and Creating Sustainable Business Opportunities for the Prosperity of the Region". During this session, new additions to the DTC Network were announced, including the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (IICT) and the GIS Transfer Center Foundation from Bulgaria, as well as the Regional Development Agency from Podravje - Maribor, Slovenia. Notably, Reutlingen University from Baden-Württemberg and the Science and Technology Park Montenegro also joined as new partners and Entry Points, respectively, further expanding the network's reach and capabilities. 

Highlighting the event was Mr. Balázs Barta's presentation on the BrAIn project during the Danube Transfer Centre (DTC) Network Ceremony. Mr. Barta, representing the Pannon Business Network, outlined the BrAIn project's innovative approaches to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies into regional development strategies. The project aims to enhance the competitiveness of enterprises across the Danube region, paving the way for sustainable economic growth.

Mrs. Miljana Cosic and Mrs. Mirjam Zillober, representing Steinbeis Europa Zentrum, showcased the BrAIn project at the Good Practice Exhibition on June 20th and 21st. This exhibition served as a platform to highlight BrAIn as an exemplary model of successful regional collaboration within the DTC Network. Attendees were able to engage with BrAIn's innovative solutions and  sustainable development goals across the Danube region.

The presentation by Mrs. Miljana Cosic and Mrs. Mirjam Zillober effectively underscored BrAIn's role in fostering innovation and promoting sustainable practices. Visitors to the exhibition gained valuable insights into how BrAIn facilitates regional cooperation and drives tangible outcomes within the DTC Network. This showcase not only highlighted BrAIn's goals but also reaffirmed its position as a catalyst for positive change in the realm of innovation and sustainability across the Danube region.

Participation in the EUSDR Forum and related events underscores a collective commitment to advancing sustainable development in the Danube region. The discussions and presentations underscored the region's potential as a hub for innovation, with initiatives like the BrAIn project paving the way for future-oriented solutions.