PLANS TO CREATE REGIONAL LABORATORIES, DISCUSSIONS ON CONCEPTS AND INDICATORS FOR MEASURING SUCCESS, AND THE CONCEPT OF A TRANSNATIONAL NETWORK OF CIRCULAR LABORATORIES FOR ELECTRONIC AND ELECTRICAL DEVICES. THESE WERE THE TOPICS DISCUSSED AT THE CIRCOTRONIC PROJECT PARTNERS’ MEETING IN KOŠICE.
The meeting of CIRCOTRONIC project partners was held to evaluate the first year of project implementation, discuss the results achieved so far, and plan future activities. The meeting was opened by Jozef Šuľak, director of PP10 Agency for Regional Development Support Košice, n.o., and Barbora Kováčová, representative of the Košice self-governing region, who welcomed the partners and presented the region and the city of Košice. After an ice-breaking activity, the first session on project management began.
MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION
Grit Ackermann from LP CCIS presented the program for the first day:
Overview of the first year – recommendations: The lead partner provided feedback from the first year, focusing on target groups and delivery structures. Recommendations from JS were also presented, such as timely submission of reports and adherence to FLC guidelines.
Results of the internal survey: Results from an anonymous survey among partners indicated that project management and implementation are at a good level, but pilot actions with SMEs pose a challenge due to the insufficient number of small and medium-sized enterprises in the EEE sector. The proposed solution was to extend cooperation to medium-sized enterprises if necessary and to seek JS approval.
TRANSNATIONAL STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN
The first draft of the transnational strategic action plan was presented, discussing monitoring and comparing indicators. It was decided to create two documents:
- A brief action plan providing a strategic overview of goals and actions in the regions.
- A detailed document describing the specific actions planned in the partner regions.
STATUS AND FUTURE ACTIVITIES WP1
CCIS emphasized the monitoring of indirect state subsidies. PP5 Biz-up presented the status and upcoming activities of WP1, focusing on pilot tools and approaches. Discussions included how to motivate SMEs to participate in pilot actions, with an agreement that thematic group leaders would organize additional meetings in September for practical demonstrations of the tools.
COMMUNICATION AND PROMOTION
PP7 Media Design presented the design of the online exhibition and the implementation timeline. There was also a discussion about the content of articles for the Interreg CE website.
SECOND DAY: THEMATIC GROUPS AND WP2
The second day began with meetings in thematic groups, discussing the use of tools and solutions for challenges in working with SMEs. Within WP2, PP3 BayFor presented the concept of a regional laboratory that would utilize existing clusters and initiatives.
SHARING INSIGHTS AND PLANS
Partners shared their plans for creating regional laboratories and discussed concepts and success indicators. The concept of a transnational network of circular laboratories for electronic and electrical devices was presented, which will support regional laboratories and facilitate the exchange of expertise.
CONCLUSION OF THE MEETING
At the end of the meeting, Grit Ackermann thanked all partners for their hard work and participation. The upcoming meeting in Linz and an online meeting in September were discussed. CCIS will coordinate the dates and other project activities.
