Central Europe embraces ICT
The Central European or Centrope region – comprised of Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary – has an ambitious plan in mind to fortify the ICT sector and technology transfer. The EU-funded CITT project is mapping the region to build a virtual ICT community. This involves an ICT cluster study, a technology transfer tool, strong web presence and business support measures. The Centrope ICT network action plan has already been articulated, with a clear vision for a future regional ICT cluster. Based on in-depth market research and benchmarking of clusters in Europe, an ICT network strategy and business plan for the first years of operation have been completed. The ICT cluster has been organised with central headquarters in Vienna, alongside regional subsidiaries and local associations. The plan describes in detail how the cluster will be set up in three phases over a period of three years. The project has also established an active weblog (noweurope.com) representing a lively platform to disseminate results and ideas, as well as to network with SMEs and researchers. The weblog enables readers to provide feedback easily and be involved in the project. On a more professional level, the CETEX R&D platform (cetex.org) has been developed as yet another arena for exchange, eyeing high-level contributors and consumers. Contributors include owners of technologies or know-how, while consumers are defined as those looking for technology or know-how. Research results and innovations, demands for cooperation, development of ideas, patents, research results and technology requests are also part of the Cetex platform. The website was tested, fine-tuned and made available in all four Centrope languages, as well as in English. Overall, the project has made great strides in marketing and disseminating its initiatives, while important analysis of ICT-related best practice examples for technology transfer in Centrope has been prepared. In March 2010, the ′First ICT clustering & technology transfer conference in Centrope′ gathered around 100 experts from the region in a lively discussion in Vienna. Among other events, the conference was seen as the culmination of a successful project that has certainly lived up to expectations and spurred important technology exchanges in the region.
