News | WaterTech Cluster Creation |
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Participation in Projects of the EU 7th Framework Programme
The objective of WaterTech cluster is to create partnerships among businesses, research institutions and support agencies specializing in managing and processing water resources and waste water in the RWG. The Cluster consists of all actors of the triple-helix innovation model: businesses, research & knowledge institutions, local and regional authorities. The WaterTech cluster is currently participating in approved European Networks and projects of the 7th Framework Programme (FP7), such as:
The STInno project introduces 3 research driven clusters and 12 partners from 5 European countries. The regions of Päijät-Häme, Kalmar and Western Greece have a common objective to strengthen RTD resources in industrial wastewater treatment and become world leaders in sustainable, cost and energy efficient methods. The regions have clear focus on clean technologies and complement each other as they are in different stage in their cluster development, RTD policies, disciplines and sustainability. Together with expertise of the RTD partners (Helsinki University of Technology, Lappeenranta University of Technology, University of Kalmar, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, International Association of Mediterranean Agro- Industrial Waste, Lancaster Environment Centre), enormous amount of knowledge on wastewater treatment, methods and techniques involved is generated. Finland, Sweden and Greece rely not on huge quantities of RTD activities and companies, but as small economies, on developing niche sectors of RTD. For niche economies value-added networks are the solutions. This mindset can also be seen in STInno. The whole wastewater treatment sector of agrochemical industry is evaluated, olive mill wastewater sector being a case study. The reasons for this particular focus are the enormous environmental problems the untreated olive mill wastewaters are causing. The partners from the RWG, consist of Patras Scioence Park, RWG/Regional Development Fund and the Institute of Chemical Engineering and Chemical Processes (FORTH/ICE-HT).
The availability of water resources is a key contributory factor to economic and social development, as well as being an essential pillar of environmental preservation. The most of the Mediterranean regions, with a semi-arid climate, has historically suffered from water scarcity. This has led in many cases to a strong culture in the efficient use of water and development of innovative policies and techniques relating to sustainable water management. Within this context, some Mediterranean regions have developed effective research-driven clusters focused on sustainable and efficient management of water, and dedicate considerable resources to research, technical development and innovation (R&TD&I) activities in this field. The Project will develop an Action Plan with the collaboration of these three regions, through mutual understanding of the respective research systems, coordinating their science policies as well as sharing the best practices and experiences in order to draw a pathway regarding:
- Integration of synergies among these clusters, strengthening their internal capabilities and joining efforts in water technologies in order to develop world-wide this leading market. There is also an innovative approach behind the idea which supports these clusters: to increase the regional economy growth and competitiveness matched with environmental preservation. The partners from the RWG, consist of Patras Science Park, RWG/Regional Development Fund, the Institute of Chemical Engineering and Chemical Processes (FORTH/ICE-HT) and ENBIO Ltd.
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