The third I3 Support Facility virtual event, "From Thematic Platforms to I3 Projects", was held last 31 March. This session highlighted the S3 Community of Practice's (S3 CoP) role in supporting Partnerships, featuring insights from experts coordinating I3 Instrument projects who have also participated in Thematic Smart Specialisation Platforms (TSSP), by exploring how Thematic Smart Specialisation Partnerships and I3 projects foster interregional innovation ecosystems.

Maja Ferlinc (EISMEA) opened the event with an introduction to the I3 instrument and Support Facility. Els Van de Velde (S3 CoP Secretariat & IDEA Consult) then presented the Smart Specialisation Community of Practice (S3 CoP) as a hub for guidance, networking, and peer learning, highlighting support for TSSPs.

René Wijlens (I3 Project Inshape, Sport & Vitality TSSP) discussed how TSSPs can leverage I3 projects to strengthen interregional innovation. Jasmina Solecka (I3 Project Value4Pack, Food Packaging TSSP) examined how I3 projects help establish sustainable partnerships and long-term collaboration.

The event concluded with an interactive discussion on challenges, financing models, and opportunities for TSSPs to expand interregional networks through I3 projects.

Next virtual event will be held next 7 May, from 14:00 to 15:30 CET and it will explore the range of public funding instruments designed to support interregional innovation collaboration. Registration available through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/5a4b8f3a-a36d-2503-42de-fd4c86b909f9

Presentations: https://eismea.ec.europa.eu/document/41c7eaa9-929a-4183-8d06-f1a0bbd42600_en

Video recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq0vibjnmv4&feature=youtu.be