Irish innovation and economic development experts played a pivotal role in the recent Peer Review on the establishment of an Open Innovation Hub in the Vidzeme Region, held at the Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. The event, hosted by the Vidzeme Planning Region in collaboration with Interreg Europe’s Policy Learning Platform, brought together a diverse group of European stakeholders to discuss strategies for fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem in rural regions. The Policy Learning Platform under Interreg Europe has proven to be an invaluable resource for local authorities, facilitating knowledge exchange and practical collaboration among regions facing similar challenges.
The work was coordinated by Interreg Europe, an EU-funded programme designed to support regional and local governments in developing better policies through cooperation. By providing funding for peer learning, networking, and knowledge-sharing, Interreg Europe enables regions to exchange best practices and implement innovative approaches to economic development. The programme’s financial support ensures that local authorities and development agencies have access to expertise and resources that might otherwise be beyond their reach, ultimately leading to more effective regional policies and stronger innovation ecosystems.
Carlow County Council’s involvement in this initiative is part of its broader engagement in the InnoCom project, funded under Interreg Europe, which aims to enhance local innovation ecosystems through knowledge-sharing and best-practice adoption. Representing Ireland, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise at Carlow County Council, and Brian Ogilvie, Head of Entrepreneurship and Rural Engagement at South East Technology University, provided key insights into governance, funding coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Their contributions were instrumental in shaping recommendations that will guide the development of Vidzeme’s innovation landscape.
The discussions in Vidzeme focused on the essential pillars of innovation hub development, including governance structures, sustainable funding models, and stakeholder engagement strategies. The Irish experts shared their experiences in establishing and managing innovation hubs in rural and regional settings, emphasizing the need for strong partnerships between government, academia, and industry. Kieran Comerford highlighted how Carlow County Council has successfully developed enterprise support structures that align with regional and national innovation policies. Brian Ogilvie elaborated on innovative funding models, stressing the importance of leveraging European funding instruments and fostering collaborations that maximize the impact of limited resources.
A key takeaway from the peer review was the importance of structured stakeholder engagement. Effective innovation ecosystems require the active involvement of multiple actors, from policymakers and research institutions to businesses and community representatives. The Irish delegation underscored the need to create inclusive governance models that empower a broad spectrum of stakeholders, ensuring that decision-making is not concentrated among a small group but rather reflects the collective interests of the region.
As the event concluded, participants developed concrete policy recommendations to strengthen the Vidzeme innovation ecosystem. Irish experts played a critical role in shaping these recommendations, which will now be translated into actionable policy initiatives. Future collaboration between Vidzeme and Irish innovation hubs is anticipated, reinforcing the long-term value of peer learning under the Interreg Europe framework.
Reflecting on the event, Brian Ogilvie noted, "This peer review provided a fantastic opportunity to share our experiences from Ireland while learning from the innovative approaches in Vidzeme. The collaboration between regional actors and international experts is key to building sustainable innovation ecosystems." Kieran Comerford emphasized, "Ireland’s approach to regional innovation, particularly in fostering strong links between government, academia, and industry, aligns well with the objectives in Vidzeme. We look forward to continuing this exchange of knowledge and best practices."
Cllr. Fergal Browne, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, reiterated the significance of international partnerships in fostering economic and innovation-driven growth, stating, "Carlow County Council is committed to working with European partners to drive innovation and economic growth. This engagement in Vidzeme showcases the shared challenges and opportunities that rural regions face, and the importance of collaboration in overcoming them."
Carlow County Council’s involvement in this initiative is part of its broader engagement in the InnoCom project, funded under Interreg Europe. InnoCom is focused on enhancing innovation capacity in rural and non-metropolitan areas through improved communication, collaboration, and policy alignment. Carlow County Council, as a key partner in the project, is leveraging its expertise in economic development to contribute to knowledge-sharing efforts that benefit regions across Europe.
The event underscored the value of peer learning as a catalyst for policy development and regional innovation. With the support of platforms like Interreg Europe’s Policy Learning Platform, local authorities can build stronger, more resilient innovation ecosystems that contribute to sustainable economic development.