Creating smart regions through open societal innovation

- Panel -

26th Bled eConference, 11. June 2013 www.bledconference.org

Creating smart regions through open societal innovation

- Panel -

Introduction

Hans-Dieter Zimmermann

Goal of the Panel

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Continuing the discussion about eRegions which emerged from the Bled eConference and

Attempt to embed the concept within a ‘Smart City’ and ‘Open Innovation’ context

Bringing together the different perspectives contributing to a broader understanding of smart regions: ICT focus Regional focus Open innovation focus: Open societal innovation approach

Panelists

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Julia Glidden, Managing Director, 21c Consultancy, UK Geert Mareels, Flemish eGovernment Manager, Flemish eGovernment Coordination Unit (CORVE), Belgium Bror Salmelin, Advisor to the DG Information Society and Media, European Commission; Innovation Systems, Belgium

Introduction

1. eRegion

2. eSociety Bodensee 2020 Project – A smart region project

eRegion and the Bled eConference

Introduction

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During the last 26 years the Bled eConference has addressed – and is still addressing – the relationship and impact of ICT and business and society One special focus: Utilizing ICT and especially the Web in a geographical setting with

a focus on the further development and support of defined geographical areas or regions

The Bled eConference quite often gets connected

to the notion of eRegion

[Zimmermann 2012]

The Notion of eRegion

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Beyond the Bled eConference the term eRegion has not been applied frequently in the literature “As a concept, eRegion denotes Information Technology (IT)-supported initiatives that transcend traditional borders and boundaries.”

(Gricar et al. 2007) eRegion understood as “… an information and communication technology (ICT) supported region. […] From a technological perspective, an eRegion integrates the issues of regional development with the opportunities and challenges coming from the latest technologies” (Gricar 2007, 86). … adding additional perspectives on eRegion such as the political, academic, or organizational perspectives

The Notion of eRegion

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eRegion does not refer to political or administrative borders eRegion refers to a region rather based on similarities such as cultural

or historical developments, e.g. based on historical trade relations or common language

Transcending traditional borders is one of the major motivations as well as challenges developing eRegion activities in Europe triggering respective discussions and projects Example: The initiative in the Bodensee area starting in 1994

But: Cross-border attribute reflects a rather European viewpoint Further motivation: the competitiveness of rural regions Mainly strategic purposes of eRegion activities

[Zimmermann 2012]

eRegion - Two distinct streams

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Activities are triggered by the intention to stimulate the adoption of ICT among businesses within a region Mostly economic focus Examples: Development and provision of a regional (B2B) portal Regional programs and activities to support the adoption of ICT in general or

of eCommerce applications more specifically Mainly focused in the Research Track

Activities encourage inter-linkage among regional organisations and institutions in order to provide the basis for future competitive advantages within an eRegion Examples: ALADIN network, the ALpe ADria INitiative Universities’ Network Internationale Bodenseehochschule IBH

Mainly focused in the Business Track [Zimmermann 2012]

Summary and Outlook

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Regional issues have been addressed quite intense on different levels and from different perspectives such as research, business, and government and administration Addressing of the transformation of regions, states including business related, administrative and educational infrastructures

Natural task of the Bled eConference conference

… to be continued by our panel today

(www.esocietybodensee2020.org)

The Bodensee (Lake Constance) Region

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The Bodensee (Lake Constance) Region

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The Bodensee (Lake Constance) Region

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Common Language … with different but very similar Alemannic dialects

(Lake Constance Alemannic) Common Alemannic culture Similar industry structure … and similar structural challenges Disadvantages of missing cross-border infrastructures The lake – uniting and dividing the region

Languages – Cultures – Regions – … but Borders?

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eSociety Bodensee 2020

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How can Open Innovation

contribute to the solution of

societal challenges in the Lake

Constance region?

Open Societal Innovation

(esocietybodensee2020.org)

Main Steps of the Project

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Common Understanding of Open Societal Innovation Requirements Analysis Guide/ manual for open societal innovation Implementation and coaching of pilots Evaluation of pilots Knowledge transfer of gained insights Development of an eSociety Bodensee 2020 strategy

eSociety Bodensee 2020 - Summary

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Utilization of Open Innovation approaches to cope with societal challenges within the Bodensee region Main goals: Sustainable identification and release of the innovation power of all

stakeholders

Strategic utilization of the innovation power of the society as a whole

Compilation of appropriate tool, format, and processes

Leading role of the intl. Bodensee Region as a pioneer of open societal innovation

But: Challenges for cross-country cooperation …

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Different political systems: EU (Austria, Germany) EEA European Economic Area (Liechtenstein) … and Switzerland Different legal systems Different history Different perception of direct democracy and participation Different understanding and implementation of federalism Different school and university systems Most funding schemes do not support cross-country cooperation … and even if they do it’s a challenge …