RTIT Presented at the Interreg Networking Meeting in Ulm
Lessons learned from the RTIT Danube Region Project enrich the discussion on the future of European innovation funding
July 13, 2026
At the networking meeting in Ulm for the Baden-Württemberg and Bavarian project partners of the Interreg Danube Region Program, Bayern Innovativ presented the results and experiences from the EU project RTIT. The event provided an opportunity for exchange, sharing lessons learned, and discussions on the future shape of European cooperation in the Danube Region.
On July 3, 2026, project partners from the Interreg Danube Region Program gathered for a joint networking meeting at the Ulm Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). Representatives from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg took the opportunity to present their projects, exchange experiences, and discuss ideas for the upcoming funding period. The focus was on concrete insights into project implementation, successful approaches, as well as challenges and lessons learned from transnational cooperation.
On behalf of Bayern Innovativ, Dr. Barbara Giehmann presented the results of the Interreg Danube Region project “RTIT – Know-how Communities for Accelerating RTI Transfer in the Danube Region.” The project aimed to accelerate research, technology, and innovation transfer (RTI) in the field of materials and materials technologies in the Danube Region and to strengthen the innovative capacity of SMEs. To this end, three transnational thematic groups were established, more than 65 methods and tools were developed, and over 200 companies were involved in pilot activities.
The short pitch focused in particular on the experiences gained during project implementation. Successful approaches to networking academia, industry, and innovation stakeholders were presented, along with insights into building sustainable knowledge communities. The discussion highlighted how important practical knowledge transfer formats and continuous exchange between partners from different innovation ecosystems are for the project’s success.
The networking event was also part of the larger international conference “The Danube Region at the Turn of Times – Shaping the Digital Future along the Danube,” which brought together stakeholders from business, politics, academia, and innovation promotion from the Danube countries. The focus was on digitalization, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and international cooperation to strengthen the competitiveness of companies in the Danube region.
In addition to the expert presentations, networking sessions, workshops, and discussions offered numerous opportunities to establish new contacts and initiate future collaborations. This once again highlighted the contribution that European projects and networks can make to strengthening regional innovation ecosystems and to the sustainable development of the Danube region.
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