In the framework of Erasmus + SMART project focus groups held at all partner institutions

Within the SMART project WP2 – Comparative analysis of smart specialisation efforts within the quintuple helix innovation framework in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and the EU, focus groups were organized in each partner HEI (10 altogether), with a minimum of 5 experts of different backgrounds and with different access to different sources of information participating. Common methodology, report templates and focus group guidelines were developed by the lead partner (POLIMI) to ensure comparable results. 

Focus groups aim to define the scientific and economic vocation of the involved regions and the specialisation of the local ecosystem, to create a thematic statement on the regional location hypothesis of the National Smart Specialisation Strategy. Focus Groups were organized, then, to successfully define a Strategy of Smart Specialisation around Thematic Areas that are suitable for tackling global warming, and linked to green and digital transitions, starting from the Quintuple Helix Innovation Model approach. Focus Groups, as qualitative analysis method, is fundamental to identify place-rooted actions and stakeholders according to a multi-benefit approach, investigating relevant awareness practices.

Comparative analysis included topics such smart specialisation agenda, standards and efforts, facts about smart specialisation initiatives in participating countries, financing of smart specialisation initiatives, good practices related to university-business collaboration in the area of smart specialisation. All partners succesfully completed the Focus groups at their institutions.