On the basis of the ecosystem built among the eight participating regions in WP4, the WP5 ‘CrossEcoNet: Strengthening European Ecosystems for Innovation and Collaboration’ will fortify regional ecosystems and connections through capacity-building initiatives, including enhancing regional involvement in EU networks and platforms, particularly in regions that are less active in these platforms. Additionally, it will facilitate cross-border visits, establish connections through ecosystem twinning, and implement strategies to attract and retain talent.

For this, different activities are planned within the WP framework, such as peer learning webinars and training to enhance the capabilities of regional ecosystems to participate in relevant EU networks and platforms actively; twinning programmes to facilitate the collaboration between paired entities; prospection visits and staff exchange schemes to empowering interregional and cross-sectoral collaboration in innovation and facilitating knowledge transfer and strategic alliances among the Q-helix; as well as training for employers to address the talent attraction retention which is spreading throughout Europe.

These tools and actions yield relevant outcomes for GreenStep, including the establishment of partnerships and alliances across the Q-helix in the regions, facilitating knowledge exchange and joint initiatives, and fostering closer interregional ties.

BalticNet-PlasmaTec (BNPT), the international cluster for plasma technologies, is leading Work Package 5 (WP5) – CrossEcoNet. BNPT is based in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany, uniting 79 members from 18 countries. The cluster fosters cross-sectoral collaboration in areas such as water, energy, environment, and metalworking, serving as a lighthouse for promoting technology and market-oriented collaboration among plasma technology research and economic entities.

Additionally, ZINNAE - Cluster for the Efficient Use of Water and ARR - Agentura regionálního rozvoje, support BNPT in implementing the work package, particularly in promoting regional involvement in EU networks and platforms, as well as talent attraction and retention.