The visit brought together high-level representatives including the Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Mr. Andriy Telupa; the Director of the Department of Strategic Planning and Regional Policy of Ukraine, Mr. Sorokin Serhiy, the Secretary of State of Romania, Mrs. Teodora Elena Preoteasa, many other National Authorities, Ukrainian RDAs Directors, and international stakeholders for an intensive exchange of knowledge. Participants explored critical topics such as smart specialisation strategies, the autonomy of RDAs, and the role of regional institutions in advancing European integration.
Key takeaways from the visit:
- Strengthening Regional Development Capacities: Insights from the Ministry of Regional Development emphasised empowering RDAs through enhanced administrative capabilities and fostering their independence in driving regional growth.
- Advancing Smart Specialization: The Ministry of Economy highlighted the importance of refining national cluster policies and industrial park strategies to support innovation and specialisation.
- Enhancing Supervisory Boards: Participants advocated for transforming supervisory boards from monitoring bodies into active collaborators promoting regional development.
- Promoting Collaboration: The establishment of a National Association of RDAs in Ukraine was proposed to facilitate unified visions and knowledge sharing among agencies.
- Showcasing Best Practices: Romanian RDAs served as models, showcasing autonomy, effective cluster management, and successful EU program participation.
The agenda featured visits to the North-East RDA headquarters in Piatra Neamt, the innovative RubikHub entrepreneurial ecosystem, and industrial parks in Iași. Discussions were enriched by presentations on regional planning, digital innovation for SMEs, and cross-border cooperation projects.
One notable highlight was the tour of the Simulation Centre in Iași, a flagship project enhancing healthcare education and research through innovative infrastructure. Additionally, the Imago-Mol Cluster demonstrated the role of health innovation in regional development.
This study visit underscored the transformative power of collaboration, learning, and resilience in addressing regional challenges. Participants left inspired, reaffirming their commitment to applying these insights to strengthen Ukraine's regional development frameworks.
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