Irish experts in innovation and economic development played a key role in a recent peer review event, held at the Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. The event, which focused on the establishment of an Open Innovation Hub in the Vidzeme region of Latvia, brought together a diverse group of European stakeholders to explore strategies for cultivating a robust innovation ecosystem in rural regions. This significant initiative, hosted by the Vidzeme Planning Region in collaboration with the Policy Learning Platform of Interreg Europe, highlighted the importance of fostering innovation in less urbanised areas and provided valuable insights into the processes that support it.
The Peer Review session was part of an ongoing effort to advance innovation practices through collaborative international dialogue. The Policy Learning Platform, under the umbrella of Interreg Europe, has been a crucial tool in promoting knowledge exchange and practical collaboration between regions facing similar economic and developmental challenges. Through this initiative, local authorities can share experiences, solutions, and best practices with others, strengthening their own economic policies and promoting sustainable innovation.
Interreg Europe, an EU-funded programme, has long been dedicated to helping regional and local governments develop better policies through inter-regional cooperation. The programme offers funding for peer learning, networking, and knowledge-sharing, giving regions access to invaluable expertise and resources. This funding is designed to ensure that even the most resource-constrained areas can implement innovative approaches to economic development, ultimately driving the creation of more resilient and effective regional policies.
Carlow County Council’s involvement in this peer review is part of its active role in the InnoCom project, which is also funded under Interreg Europe. InnoCom’s main objective is to enhance the innovation ecosystems of local areas through knowledge-sharing and the adoption of best practices. By participating in this project, Carlow County Council has been able to bring Ireland’s expertise to the forefront of European discussions on rural innovation.
Two key representatives from Carlow County Council, Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise, and Brian Ogilvie, Head of Entrepreneurship and Rural Engagement at South East Technological University, were central figures in the peer review process. Their contributions were vital in offering guidance on governance models, funding coordination, and engaging key stakeholders in the development of innovation hubs. Their insights have helped shape the recommendations for the future growth of Vidzeme’s innovation landscape, with a particular focus on supporting rural entrepreneurship and building long-term sustainability.
In addition to the core discussions on governance and funding strategies, the peer review session addressed the practical aspects of creating a thriving Open Innovation Hub. Experts and local authorities from across Europe explored the ways in which collaboration, investment, and local expertise can be combined to strengthen regional economies. The event underscored the need for local ecosystems to be dynamic, adaptable, and capable of integrating new technologies that drive business growth, community development, and job creation.
The insights gained during the peer review process will now serve as a blueprint for the development of Vidzeme’s Open Innovation Hub, and, more broadly, will inform future initiatives in rural innovation across Europe.
For Carlow County Council and its partners, this event represents a significant step towards greater international cooperation in driving forward regional economic development and fostering rural innovation. The establishment of Open Innovation Hubs is an important part of the EU’s commitment to ensuring that all regions, regardless of size or geographical location, can thrive in the rapidly changing global economy.
