RTIT - Knowledge communities for the transfer of knowledge, technology and innovation in the Danube region

14.07.2025

Thirteen project partners and nine associated strategic partners have joined forces to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the field of materials (technologies) with the international RTIT project funded by Interreg Danube. The EU project is scheduled to run for 2.5 years.

As a cross-sector technology, materials are of central importance in the digital and ecological transformation. They are a key strength in times of geopolitical instability and represent highly dynamic sectors with enormous technological challenges and high innovation potential. Examples include sustainable, smart and adaptable materials, advanced composites, surface treatment, lightweight construction and energy-optimized materials.

Danube region as a key region

The Danube region is strong in the production and manufacture of materials and is therefore a key region within the EU for reducing dependence on markets outside the European continent.

However, the technological challenges, the growing need for sustainability and resilience require a much higher degree of transfer between research, technology and innovation (RTI). This RTI transfer is necessary not only to remain competitive, but also to position the Danube Region as a key region in European value chains.

Initial situation

Innovation support, RTI management and commercialization programs are struggling to find the right strategies and measures to meet the emerging challenges and reduce the gap to European innovation leaders. Many RTI organizations in the Danube region do not cooperate or do not cooperate enough with business development agencies. The lack of sustainable, long-term relationships and the lack of cooperation with actors from well-functioning RTI support systems prevents access to promising RTI projects. Bureaucratic hurdles, a lack of skilled workers and funding opportunities in the RTI transfer system make it even more difficult for many countries in the Danube region to catch up with the EU innovation leaders.

Cooperation as a solution

Transnational cooperation with innovation leaders helps to find the right strategy and approach to accelerate the catch-up process in RTI transfer and reduce the gap between "East" and "West". Through experience exchange and knowledge transfer between highly innovative regions and less developed or emerging innovation regions, the less developed regions are supported in introducing new approaches.

RTIT's approach

The RTIT consortium will develop a transnational action plan based on the New Industrial Strategy for Europe to accelerate RTI transfer in the field of materials and material technologies in the Danube region. Measures for implementation and recommendations for action for decision-makers in science and business development will be developed. The strengths and advantages of the region are to be clearly presented. In addition, new knowledge regarding RTI transfer and design management is to be communicated and brought into the region via newly established knowledge communities.

All eleven demonstration partners (BA, BG, HU, ME, SI, UA) are pursuing a holistic approach in order to strengthen the transfer itself with the emerging knowledge communities. The companies are supported in their marketing with impulses on the subject of design management. There is an exchange between all partners in order to learn from each other and to strengthen the region and its companies through improved transfer and commercialization. RTIT aims to contribute to resource efficiency, sustainability and digitalization and to strengthen the resilience of companies in the European value chains.

Objective of RTIT

RTIT aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the field of materials (technologies). This is done by establishing knowledge communities in the Danube region. These will be dedicated to the transfer of knowledge, technology and innovation and will facilitate commercialization by companies through the use of design management methods.

Interested parties from the participating regions have been invited to become part of the RTIT Knowledge Community since July 2025. You will receive further information on the above-mentioned topics and have the opportunity to network with other members of the community.

Further information on the call

Another important goal of the project is the so-called "Action Plan", which provides recommendations to politicians, stakeholders and the participating organizations for the further implementation of technology, innovation and knowledge transfer. This can also relate to the adaptation of regional strategies or (future) funding programmes and also shows possible development paths with regard to harmonization with European strategies.

To the RTIT >> Action Plan and other publications

If you are interested in activities, networking or need advice in Bavaria, your local RTIT partner Cluster Neue Werkstoffe will support you (see contact below).

Partners in the project

The project consortium consists of thirteen project partners and nine associated strategic partners from Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Montenegro, Slovenia and Ukraine.

Project partners:

Bayern Innovativ - Bavarian Society for Innovation and Knowledge Transfer mbH (DE)
Gospodarska zbornica Slovenije / Gospodarska zbornica Slovenije (SI)
Inovaciono preduzetnički centar Tehnopolis / Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis (ME)
Kemijski inštitut / National Institute of Chemistry (SI)
Competence Center Wood GmbH (AT)
Pécs-Baranyai Kereskedelmi és Iparkamara / Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Pécs-Baranya (HU)
Pécsi Tudományegyetem / University of Pécs (HU)
Univerzitet Crne Gore / University of Montenegro (ME)
Univerzitet u Zenici (Centar za inovativnost i preduzetništvo) / University of Zenica (BA)
Zaklada za inovacijski i tehnološki razvitak (INTERA Tehnološki Park) / Foundation for Innovation and Technology Development (INTERA Technology Park) (BA)
Інститут фізики НАН України / Institute of Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (UA)
Соффийски университет "Св. Климент Охридски" / Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" (BG)
Фондация "Приложни изследвания и комуникации" / Applied Research and Communications Fund (BG)

Associated partners:

Agenția Națională de Cercetare și Dezvoltare / National Agency for Research and Development (MD)
Bavarian Research Alliance GmbH (DE)
Grad Mostar City of Mostar (BA)
Ministarstvo ekonomskog razvoja i turizma Crne Gore / Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism of Montenegro (ME)
Nemzeti Kutatási, Fejlesztési és Innovációs Hivata / National Research, Development and Innovation Office (HU)
Благодійний фонд "ЕЕН-Україна" / Charity Fundation "EEN-Ukraine" (UA)
Державна інноваційна фінансово-кредитна установа / STATE FINANCE INSTITUTION FOR INNOVATIONS (UA)
Индустриален клъстер "Електромобили" / Electric Vehicles Industrial Cluster (BG)
СОФИЯ ТЕХ ПАРК АД / SOFIA TECH PARK JSC (BG)