MATEO is an INTERREG IIIC project that addresses, on an interregional level, the problems related to stimulating technology-driven innovation, a key driver in the sustained economic development of regions that is a main target in the EU's Lisbon strategy.
It has long been recognised that the key to maintaining and improving regional competitiveness is continuous innovation, by actively converting RTD (Research and Technological Development) knowledge into new opportunities for new industrial activity. This can only be achieved through stimulation and guidance in the effective exploitation of RTD knowledge generated at research centres and universities, with the aim of both creating new knowledge-intensive industry (SMEs) and increasing the knowledge-intensity of existing industry.
There are various limitations that inhibit the optimal interaction between research and industry, mostly related to the fact that frequently both the parties generating RTD knowledge as those creating (new) industrial activity, are not aware of the possibilities that exist. Interregional cooperation makes it possible to diffuse technological knowledge more widely and thus increases the chances for exploiting this knowledge.
Moreover, interregional collaboration facilitates the exchange of methodologies and better applications installation in the field of the stimulating innovation, allowing regions to enhancing competitiveness of its important industrial sectors.
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