D1.3 Innovation Ecosystems activity final report

Innovation Ecosystems activity final report Deliverable 1.3 Accelerating and upscaling transformational adaptation in Europe: demonstration of water-related innovation packages This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon H2020 innovation action programme under grant agreement 101036683. TransformAr Deliverable 1.3 2 www.transformar.eu Deliverable Number and Name D1.3 – Innovation Ecosystems activity final report Work Package WP1 – Innovation Ecosystems for transformational adaptation in demonstrators Dissemination Level Public Author(s) Óscar Bernárdez, João Domingues (FEUGA) Primary Contact and Email Óscar Bernárdez – obernar[email protected] Date Due 30/09/2025 Date Submitted 30/09/2025 File Name TransformAr_D1.3_VF Status For release Reviewed by (if applicable) Jan Cools (UA) Suggested citation FEUGA (2025). Innovation Ecosystems activity final report. TransformAr Deliverable 1.3, H2020 grant no. 101036683 © TransformAR Consortium, 2025 This deliverable contains original unpublished work except when indicated otherwise. Acknowledgement of previously published material and of the work of others has been made through appropriate citation, quotation, or both. Reproduction is authorised if the source is acknowledged. This document has been prepared in the framework of the European project TransformAr. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 innovation action programme under grant agreement no. 101036683. The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. It does not necessarily represent the opinion of the European Union. Neither the EASME nor the European Commission are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. TransformAr Deliverable 1.3 3 www.transformar.eu TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................. 4 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................................... 5 LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES .................................................................. 6 1.0 IMPLEMENTATION .............................................................................. 7 1.1 Strategy ................................................................................... 7 1.2 Matrix and first consultations ....................................................... 8 1.3 Best Practices ............................................................................ 8 1.4 Climate perception and Action Plans ............................................ 10 1.5 Other sources of feedback ......................................................... 10 1.6 Index and monthly meetings ...................................................... 11 1.7 Final consultations ................................................................... 12 2.0 RESULTS ........................................................................................ 12 2.1 Control parameters .................................................................. 13 2.2 Observations ........................................................................... 13 3.0 EXTENDED FRAMEWORK ................................................................... 14 3.1 A radical theory of co-creation.................................................... 15 3.2 Recommended practices ............................................................ 17 REFERENCES ........................................................................................ 18 TransformAr Deliverable 1.3 4 www.transformar.eu EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This document provides an analysis of the performance and evolution of the Innovation Ecosystems in project TransformAr, that is, the regional structures set up to support adequate conditions for the cocreation of solutions. Deliverable 1.3 can be useful as a stand-alone, for the theory and methods behind this deliverable can be replicated in participatory processes and continuous engaging of stakeholders, regardless of discipline or socio-economic context. It is recommended, though, to go through it in the company of the previous reports from this Work Package 1, and to contextualise the lengthier accounts of co-creation exchanges held and documented in Work Package 3. In terms of structure, it is divided in three parts, and it reads both ways. The first block covers the (1) implementation of the Multi-Actor Approach defined early in the project, in a chronological fashion; the second part outlines the (2) results from monitoring and their validation from the partners; and the last segment deals with an (3) extended theoretical framework that allows for an in depth analysis, and that can be replicated in the future so that other transformative agents can kick start and navigate stakeholder engagement. TransformAr Deliverable 1.3 5 www.transformar.eu LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS CC – Climate Change DF – Demo Facilitators EU – European Union IE – Innovation Ecosystem II – Interactive Innovation IIB – Interactive Innovation Broker FT – Follower Territories KCS – Key Community Systems LD – Lighthouse Demonstrators MAA – Multi-Actor Approach RRI – Responsible Research and Innovation SAB – Stakeholders’ Advisory Board TA – Transformational Adaptation TAB – Transformational Adaptation Block TSP – Technical Support Partner WP – Work Package WPL – Work Package Leader TransformAr Deliverable 1.3 6 www.transformar.eu LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES Figure 1. Multi-Actor Approach values as defined by EIP-AGRI................................................................... 7 Figure 2. Best Practices first report excerpt as an online learning story. .................................................... 9 Figure 3. Interactive Innovation Index as a visual representation of different demos. © 2025 by FEUGA is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 ................................................................................................................ 12 Figure 4. Systematic reporting as performed at the last stage of the project. © 2025 by FEUGA is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 .............................................................................................................................. 14 Figure 5. Multi-Actor Approach levels. © 2025 by FEUGA is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 ................. 15 Figure 6. Example of a menu of methodologies to navigate stakeholder engagement. © 2025 by FEUGA is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 ............................................................................................................. 16 TransformAr Deliverable 1.3 7 www.transformar.eu 1.0 IMPLEMENTATION In this first chapter, a context for the actions is provided to understand the evolution of the methods implemented and data generated. The Multi-Actor Approach was implemented to bridge research and practice, create adequate conditions for quick and widespread adoption, and ensure the continuity of the knowledge transfer beyond project lifetime. For a detailed description of the methodology for MultiActor Approach, and the requirements of co-creation in Transformational Adaptation (TA), please refer to Deliverable 1.1. A list of the socio-economic context of the Key Community Systems and the Key Stakeholders is available in Deliverable 1.2. A description of the co-creation activities for Adaptation Pathways and Action Plans development can be found in Deliverables 3.3, 3.8 and 3.9. 1.1 Strategy The first Specific Objective of TransformAr was to demonstrate the potential of co-innovation processes for Transformational Adaptation (TA) towards climate resilience in vulnerable regions and communities across Europe. This was done with the assistance of 6 Lighthouse Demonstrators (demos, further on) and a Follower Territory (FT). In short, these regional networks are at the centre of each Innovation Ecosystem, meant to creating a shared ownership of solutions and increasing joint decision-making towards systemic change [1]. To ensure the participation and active engagement of TransformAr cross-sectoral and multi-scale stakeholders from the local and regional communities, a methodology for co-innovation alongside multiple actors was put into place based on a Multi-Actor Approach and the values defined by EIP-AGRI [2]. Figure 1. Multi-Actor Approach values as defined by EIP-AGRI. TransformAr Deliverable 1.3 8 www.transformar.eu The governance model for the Innovation Ecosystems, in accordance to MAA values, was conceived as a matrix organizational structure with geographical and technical dimensions to address the necessary balance between regional and technical requirements. Detailed rules for the governance and decision making were set as well as operational management procedures in a non-iterative feedback cycle. Additionaly, the figure of the Broker [2] was created to assist in the implementation of the methodology and help evaluate the performance of the different demos. 1.2 Matrix and first consultations The Matrix (D1.2) compiles a list of Key Stakeholders, the co-builders from a bottom-up perspective. They are representative actors from their Key Community Systems, able to generate knowledge and motivated to play a strategic role in accelerating Transformational Adaptation to Climate Change. Demo Duos were tasked with identifying and verifying their effective role and influence within each Demonstrator. Key Stakeholders often possess previous tidings with the local partners which reinforces their trust and commitment with TransformAr. Arranged into seven groups, the Key Stakeholders conformed the core of the co-creation activities. It must be stated that the Matrix was conceived, from the start, to be updated as the project carried on and the community building rendered evermore involved local actors. This was true specially for the Bankability reports, which featured stakeholders with a growing role. Some considerations on the limits of the Matrix can be found in the last part of this document. At the same time, a initial row consultation workshops was considered to help build a shared vision of the Adaptation Pathways. In the interest of time and practicality, the initial consultations were rearranged and finally replaced with information collected on pre-planned surveys within T3.1.1. The combined push of the Matrix and the early Multi-Actor Approach methodology was, regardless, pivotal to the design and outcomes of the initial Adaptation Pathways workshops. From February 2022 to January 2023, the six demonstrators of the TransformAr project (West Country Region (UK), Oristano (Italy), Egaleo (Greece), City of Lappeenranta (Finland), Guadeloupe (France), Galicia (Spain) organised workshops to apply the methodology to co-create Adaptation Pathways at both territorial and sectoral levels. In parallel, improvements to the methodology were compiled in a publication, presented in November 2022 at the ICERI Conference, titled ‘Interactive Innovation Broker: a consensual framework for MultiActor Approach practical implementation’. In it FEUGA stressed the importance of continuity, creating and maintaining conditions of balance and access to knowledge so as to ensure the viability of the solutions and restore the Innovation Ecosystems once the project came to an end [2]. 1.3 Best Practices Work Package 1 was responsible for 6 Best Practices sessions. Starting in mid-2023, these were structured exchanges where project partners and stakeholders share experiences, methods, and lessons learned to highlight what works in practice and how it can be applied elsewhere. Its importance for the stakeholder TransformAr Deliverable 1.3 9 www.transformar.eu engagement assessment can be understood from two perspectives: that of horizontal integration of knowledge, and that of the two-way, vertical feedback. Crucially, these sessions contributed to make tacit into evident knowledge that otherwise would have taken much effort to bring to light, and made partners learn faster and to greater effect based on relatable experiences. The regular exchange of experiences and best practices among the various demonstrator teams and other stakeholders made partners act proactively in addressing common challenges and avoiding potential implementation hurdles. Each session focused on a specific topic crucial to the project's success; hence covered a range of subjects, from stakeholder management and change management to technical topics like making data available and accessible. This structured approach ensured that the discussions were targeted and productive [3]. After the sessions, VERHAERT compiled the insights and ‘tips & tricks’ into three thematic best practice reports; each synthesised the learnings from two sessions. Designated as D1.5 (stakeholder management & change management), D1.6 (How to make data available and accessible & developing transformational pathways), and D1.7 (A multi-actor approach to governance & looking back on TransformAr and transformational adaptation), serve as a permanent record of the key takeaways. Additionally, the final reports were later published online with valuable ‘learning stories’, making the knowledge accessible to a wider audience both within and outside the project. This entire process was a collaborative effort, with VERHAERT coordinating the sessions and all demonstrators, technical partners, and the Municipality of Gjovik actively contributing. Figure 2. Best Practices first report excerpt as an online learning story. TransformAr Deliverable 1.3 16 www.transformar.eu but there was little margin for reaction based on stakeholder feedback when the prioritised solutions faced bottlenecks. The Matrix did not account for involvement [9] as the project went on. A basic requirement for Multi-Actor Approach governance is thus to provide a decision-support system as well. It can be based on a Capacity Needs Assessment unlocked by the agnostic Systemic Review and a Matrix based on solutions instead. These elements will have a greater chance of creating viable solutions while restoring the artificial conditions imposed during the co-creation process. If feasible in the context of a given project, a forum-based approach can be followed for greater impact in the long-term and continuity, incentives for risk-taking and sustained commitment from stakeholders. This is an intuitive solution to reinforce feedback loops and repurposing already existing structures for knowledge exchange and policy making. It is advised that this governance model also includes ways to mix every participant intentional and regularly, for role switching can lead to alternative coalitions and is also a sign of the health of an Innovation Ecosystem. The role of the Broker can also be redefined according to the level of Multi-Actor Approach desired. In order to assist in the agnostic self-reflection and evaluation, this figure should have a more critical judgement, actively reporting and validating the findings throughout the project, and specially for the charting and navigating of the methodologies available for stakeholder engagement. In this sense, a map can be defined to create clusters of practices that reinforce each other and answer to any desired outcome, expanding and leveraging on the capacities of the stakeholders to provide increasingly valuable insights for the viability of the solution and the continuity of the Innovation Ecosystem. Figure 6. Example of a menu of methodologies to navigate stakeholder engagement. © 2025 by FEUGA is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 TransformAr Deliverable 1.3 17 www.transformar.eu 3.2 Recommended practices The TransformAr local partners have also validated a list of recommended practices that can improve the governance of the Innovation Ecosystems and how knowledge is shared and integrated. This list can serve as an expanded mindset from what EIP-AGRI set in 2017. › Emphasise short-term value › Avoid knowledge extractivism › Increase transparency › Share decision-making › Revive tacit knowledge › Foster role switching › Specialise and integrate › Remain responsive › Fight innovation inertia › Create mini-coalitions › Map involvement and solutions › Follow up with 1:1 meetings TransformAr Deliverable 1.3 18 www.transformar.eu REFERENCES [1] FEUGA (2022) Stakeholders’ Engagement Guidelines. TransformAr Deliverable 1.1, H2020 grant no. 101036683. [2] Bernardez, O., Domingues, J., Rodríguez-Aubo, N., Filipowska, W., and Cotelo, C. (2022). Interactive Innovation Broker: a consensual framework for Multi-Actor Approach practical implementation. ICERI2022 Proceedings, pp. 5298-5302. [3] VERHAERT (2025). D1.7 Final thematic best practice reports. TransformAr Deliverable 1.7, H2020 grant no. 101036683. [4] European Commission (2023). Launch of the Community of Practice. Retrieved from: https://researchand-innovation.ec.europa.eu/events/upcoming events/launch-community-practice-2023-01-26_en [5] REGILIENCE (2024). Stakeholder engagement in climate adaptation & resilience: Learnings from EU Mission on Adaptation projects. Horizon Result Booster. Retrieved from: https://transformar.eu/storage/2024/11/Policy-brief_stakeholder-engagement-in-climate-adaptationand-resilience_a4.pdf [6] Cristiano, S., Proietti, P., & Birke, F. M. (2022). Deliverable 1.1: Conceptual and methodological framework for transformative/evolutionary AKIS journeys (Project ID. 101000250). European Commission. https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101060527/results [7] Cools et al. (2024). Understanding Transformational Adaptation: A Shared Vision Across EU Horizon Projects. Projects' policy brief under the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change's Implementation Platform (MIP4Adapt). [8] EU Mission Adaptation (2022). Mission Adaptation Charter. Retrieved from: https://research-andinnovation.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-03/eu_missions_climate_charter_facsimile.pdf [9] Moujan, C., La Jeunesse, I., Akinsete, E. & Guittard, A. (2022). Description of stakeholder mapping for case studies. ARSINOE Deliverable 2.1, H2020 grant no. 101037424 Climate change impacts are here and now. The impacts on people, prosperity and planet are already pervasive but unevenly distributed, as stated in the new EU Blueprint strategy (European Commission-EC, 2019). To reduce climate-related risks, the EC and the IPCC agree that transformational adaptation is essential. The TranformAr project aims to develop and demonstrate products and services to launch and accelerate large-scale and disruptive adaptive process for transformational adaptation in vulnerable regions and communities across Europe. The 6 TransformAr lighthouse demonstrators face a common challenge: water-related risks and impacts of climate change. Based on existing successful initiatives, the project will develop, test and demonstrate solutions and pathways, integrated in Innovation Packages, in 6 territories. Transformational pathways, including an integrated risk assessment approach are co-developed by means of 9 Transformational Adaptive Blocks. A set of 22 tested actionable adaptive solutions are tested and demonstrated, ranging from nature-based solutions, innovative technologies, financing, insurance and governance models, awareness and behavioral change solutions. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon H2020 innovation action programme under grant agreement 101036683.