SOLARROK

PHOTOVOLTAIC Clusters Development and Implementation Measures of a Seven Region Strategic Joint Action Plan for Knowledge-based Regional Innovation

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The overall objective of SOLARROK is to deepen the transnational cooperation between leading European research-driven clusters in the Photovoltaic (PV) sector. To gain a competitive position and to foster industrial innovation, EU research infrastructures require more and more resources: multidisciplinary competencies, investments for technical equipments, skilled human resources, and strong links to the business community. To this end, research centers in Europe join with competitive companies and public authorities, forming research driven clusters. Within the SOLARROK cluster cooperation, four general objectives have been defined:(1) Developing joint business models to improve access to international markets for RTD and business actors of the European solar sector; (2) Supporting the innovation system by (i) filling RTD-gaps to improve resource-efficient production of solar modules, (ii) identifying sustainable cluster approaches, (iii) exchanging cluster management best practices; (iv) benchmarking in international context; (3) Building international collaboration capacities by knowledge exchange activities within and beyond Europe and increasing researcher mobility between research and industry; (4) Strengthening European competitiveness by developing an international level Joint Action Plan including regional smart specialisation strategies. SOLARROK is a CSA jointly elaborated by leading clusters in Spain, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, Lithuania and Austria, plus industry and research partners in Slovenia and Norway. A three step approach (mapping of existing resources, interactive mutual learning, and a focused integration process) will lead to a Joint Action Plan, involving European key-stakeholders. Following a bottom up approach and utilising direct involvement of Regional Authorities, the JAP will ensure a comprehensive implementation. SOLARROK expands the cooperation, exchanging methodologies and strategies with other EU PV clusters.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

Recovery of Europe's photovoltaic (PV) industry depends on cooperation among seven regional clusters. An EU project has produced a Joint Action Plan (JAP), which recommends improving each region's innovation capacities and boosting international competitiveness.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Global effects of the recent economic crisis strongly impacted the PV industry. The result was disruption of previously successful value chains, and threats to the industry's future.

The EU-funded http://www.solarrok.eu (SOLARROK) project aims to renew the industry by facilitating cooperation between seven regional European PV clusters. Priorities are to develop and implement a JAP for the industry. Further goals include developing a joint business model, supporting innovation, building capacity for international collaboration and strengthening European competitiveness. The 16-member consortium runs for 3 years to November 2015.

Work initially focused on analysing research resources and capacities in the seven regions. The project surveyed a total of 74 research organisations and 115 companies across all regions, and conducted a series of interviews. Key parameters included human resources data, plus research activities and rating of research areas for the coming five years. The results were condensed into a research and technology development atlas. Subsets of these results, plus strategic strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis, were presented at industry workshops and conferences. The team also compared respective regional strategies in research, policy and other areas.

The results contributed to the JAP. The initial version identifies potential cooperation strategies and working schedules for two major tasks. They are strengthening regional PV innovation capacities and boosting the sector's international competitiveness. The work established the respective regional strengths and weaknesses, and identified the most appropriate cooperation strategies likely to achieve the tasks. In total, seven key strategic areas have been identified, including themes such as business development, research targets and research support.

The SOLARROK project is advancing European regional cooperation in the PV sector. The assessment work has led to clear targets and strategies for effective future collaboration.