PBN HIGHLIGHTS - FEBRUARY NEWS SUMMARY
2025-03-04
February brought several significant events for PBN and its partners, focusing on innovation, training programs, and international collaborations.
First-Year Review & International Collaboration
On February 11-13, 2025, the BrAIn project achieved a major milestone with its First Year Review and Transnational Training on AI in Manufacturing in Belgrade, Serbia. The event gathered project partners, stakeholders, and AI experts to assess progress.
The First Year Review highlighted key achievements, including demo cases showcasing AI applications in manufacturing, with valuable feedback from the Joint Secretariat to refine future directions. The Project Meeting aligned partners on next steps, focusing on AI integration and training materials for SMEs.
Additionally, the transnational training on AI in Manufacturing launched, covering AI’s transformative role in Industry 5.0, robotics, and implementation challenges. This initiative equips manufacturing professionals with the knowledge and skills to integrate AI effectively.
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Developing effective training programmes involving local authorities and businesses
At the beginning of February, the PBN hosted the partners of the IaaS4DR project. During the meeting, the project partners worked together on how to effectively engage municipalities and stakeholders in the project's training programmes, which aim to provide comprehensive support to businesses and professionals in the areas of business development, finance, market research, innovation, HR, manufacturing to increase their competitiveness and ability to adapt to market challenges.
During the meeting, councilor Adrienn Bokányi, representing Municipality of Szombathely, presented the city's strategies and extensive innovation ecosystem. The partners took part in an interactive visit at PBN, where they were introduced to the humanoid robot, as well as gain insight into the development work taking place at PBN.
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International seminar on startup growth and acceleration in Porto
In mid-February, Porto became the hub for startup development as ANI | Agência Nacional de Inovação hosted an international seminar within the framework of the SKALE2CT project. The event brought together project partners, stakeholders, and Portuguese industry leaders to exchange insights, strategies, and policies that drive startup acceleration.
The seminar, titled “Co-Creating and Innovative Tools for Startup Growth and Acceleration”, provided a platform for knowledge sharing and best practices, highlighting the role of public and intermediary organizations in improving business acceleration services.
SKALE2CT unites seven countries and eight organizations to review and analyze Europe's best practices in startup support over a two-year period. As part of the initiative, the visiting delegation of around 20 participants also explored Portuguese research and innovation ecosystems, gaining firsthand insights into cutting-edge technological solutions.
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Exploring Social and Solidarity Economy Initiatives in Szombathely
On February 5th, Pannon Business Network had the pleasure of hosting an engaging Peer Review, welcoming the 3P4SSE project partners to explore the local ecosystem of social and solidarity economy (SSE) initiatives in Szombathely.
The day was filled with enriching exchanges as our guests visited cutting-edge research environments, including at.home and am-LAB, where they gained firsthand insights into innovative approaches supporting SSEs. Additionally, partners engaged in in-depth discussions on Hungary’s Local Action Plan, evaluating strategies to strengthen regional cooperation and sustainability.
This Peer Review served as a valuable platform to exchange knowledge, assess best practices, and foster collaboration, reinforcing our shared commitment to advancing SSE initiatives across regions.
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Peer Review Meeting in Trento: Strengthening Solidarity Economy
The 3P4SSE partnership also gathered for a Peer Review Meeting nn February 11-12, in Trento and Rovereto, hosted by the Autonomous Province of Trento. The event focused on evaluating Trentino’s Local Action Plan (LAP) and its impact on solidarity economy districts, with discussions and site visits offering valuable insights.
With approximately 24 participants, we engaged in deep discussions and site visits to explore the real-world impact of social and solidarity economy (SSE) initiatives.
Key highlights from our Peer Review:
First-Year Review & International Collaboration
On February 11-13, 2025, the BrAIn project achieved a major milestone with its First Year Review and Transnational Training on AI in Manufacturing in Belgrade, Serbia. The event gathered project partners, stakeholders, and AI experts to assess progress.
The First Year Review highlighted key achievements, including demo cases showcasing AI applications in manufacturing, with valuable feedback from the Joint Secretariat to refine future directions. The Project Meeting aligned partners on next steps, focusing on AI integration and training materials for SMEs.
Additionally, the transnational training on AI in Manufacturing launched, covering AI’s transformative role in Industry 5.0, robotics, and implementation challenges. This initiative equips manufacturing professionals with the knowledge and skills to integrate AI effectively.
Developing effective training programmes involving local authorities and businesses
At the beginning of February, the PBN hosted the partners of the IaaS4DR project. During the meeting, the project partners worked together on how to effectively engage municipalities and stakeholders in the project's training programmes, which aim to provide comprehensive support to businesses and professionals in the areas of business development, finance, market research, innovation, HR, manufacturing to increase their competitiveness and ability to adapt to market challenges.
During the meeting, councilor Adrienn Bokányi, representing Municipality of Szombathely, presented the city's strategies and extensive innovation ecosystem. The partners took part in an interactive visit at PBN, where they were introduced to the humanoid robot, as well as gain insight into the development work taking place at PBN.
International seminar on startup growth and acceleration in Porto
In mid-February, Porto became the hub for startup development as ANI | Agência Nacional de Inovação hosted an international seminar within the framework of the SKALE2CT project. The event brought together project partners, stakeholders, and Portuguese industry leaders to exchange insights, strategies, and policies that drive startup acceleration.
The seminar, titled “Co-Creating and Innovative Tools for Startup Growth and Acceleration”, provided a platform for knowledge sharing and best practices, highlighting the role of public and intermediary organizations in improving business acceleration services.
SKALE2CT unites seven countries and eight organizations to review and analyze Europe's best practices in startup support over a two-year period. As part of the initiative, the visiting delegation of around 20 participants also explored Portuguese research and innovation ecosystems, gaining firsthand insights into cutting-edge technological solutions.
Exploring Social and Solidarity Economy Initiatives in Szombathely
On February 5th, Pannon Business Network had the pleasure of hosting an engaging Peer Review, welcoming the 3P4SSE project partners to explore the local ecosystem of social and solidarity economy (SSE) initiatives in Szombathely.
The day was filled with enriching exchanges as our guests visited cutting-edge research environments, including at.home and am-LAB, where they gained firsthand insights into innovative approaches supporting SSEs. Additionally, partners engaged in in-depth discussions on Hungary’s Local Action Plan, evaluating strategies to strengthen regional cooperation and sustainability.
This Peer Review served as a valuable platform to exchange knowledge, assess best practices, and foster collaboration, reinforcing our shared commitment to advancing SSE initiatives across regions.
Peer Review Meeting in Trento: Strengthening Solidarity Economy
The 3P4SSE partnership also gathered for a Peer Review Meeting nn February 11-12, in Trento and Rovereto, hosted by the Autonomous Province of Trento. The event focused on evaluating Trentino’s Local Action Plan (LAP) and its impact on solidarity economy districts, with discussions and site visits offering valuable insights.
With approximately 24 participants, we engaged in deep discussions and site visits to explore the real-world impact of social and solidarity economy (SSE) initiatives.
Key highlights from our Peer Review:
- Exploring Trentino’s Local Action Plan (LAP): We examined its three focus areas – Mapping, SSE Forum, and Increasing Awareness.
- Field visits to inspiring initiatives: At Le Formichine, a cooperative fostering employment for women at risk of social marginalization, and Orto in Bosco, a project supporting social inclusion and sustainable food production.
- In-depth discussions on SSE governance: Stakeholders shared insights on strengthening communication, defining clear roles, and creating a sustainability plan for solidarity economy districts.
The event ended with a symbolic visit to the Bell of Peace, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
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Half-time revision of the Szombathely2030 Strategy
At the first annual working group meeting of the Szombathely2030 program, a review of recently completed projects and new initiatives took place. In the upcoming period, the first half of the 10-year program will be reviewed to establish a system of concrete, mutually reinforcing, and immediately implementable projects. During the discussion, several key project ideas emerged, including the development of vocational training infrastructure, the identification of local players in the healthcare industry, the concept of a "green industrial park," as well as improvements in transportation and tourism.
A review of the ongoing activities within the OD4Growth project also took place, which are closely aligned with the objectives of Szombathely2030. Within the project framework, PBN and the Municipality of Szombathely are jointly working on a pilot implementation focused on smart city solutions and data-driven services.
As part of the next steps, an intensive workshop will be held on March 18, where partners will review and update the Szombathely2030 strategy and present related new project proposals. Based on the outcomes, a unified document will be prepared, serving as a foundation for further collaboration and advocacy, with the ultimate goal of implementing developments to improve the quality of life for residents.
Half-time revision of the Szombathely2030 Strategy
At the first annual working group meeting of the Szombathely2030 program, a review of recently completed projects and new initiatives took place. In the upcoming period, the first half of the 10-year program will be reviewed to establish a system of concrete, mutually reinforcing, and immediately implementable projects. During the discussion, several key project ideas emerged, including the development of vocational training infrastructure, the identification of local players in the healthcare industry, the concept of a "green industrial park," as well as improvements in transportation and tourism.
A review of the ongoing activities within the OD4Growth project also took place, which are closely aligned with the objectives of Szombathely2030. Within the project framework, PBN and the Municipality of Szombathely are jointly working on a pilot implementation focused on smart city solutions and data-driven services.
As part of the next steps, an intensive workshop will be held on March 18, where partners will review and update the Szombathely2030 strategy and present related new project proposals. Based on the outcomes, a unified document will be prepared, serving as a foundation for further collaboration and advocacy, with the ultimate goal of implementing developments to improve the quality of life for residents.