EU Project EcoDaLLiCollaborating for a sustainable future for the Danube region - EcoDaLLi project and the EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’

The European Union is set to achieve ambitious targets for the protection and restoration of marine and freshwater ecosystems with its Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030’. The Danube & Black Sea Lighthouse, as one of four regional hubs, takes a key role in the implementation of the Mission. A variety of projects advances sustainable development in the Danube region. The EcoDaLLi project, coordinated by Steinbeis Europa Zentrum, is of particular importance. As coordination and support action (CSA) of the Danube & Black Sea Lighthouse, the project supports cooperation between stakeholders, disseminates innovative solutions and strengthens regional governance structures. Steinbeis Europa Zentrum also coordinates the working group ‘Innovation and Technology Transfer’ of Priority Area 8 of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR).

Highlights 2024: Regional stakeholders shape living labs and innovation ecosystem

Since the kick-off of EcoDaLLi in January 2023, the 17 project partners have implemented numerous activities to drive innovation processes in the Danube region. 2024 focused in particular on four living lab events, which were held in four different regions along the Danube and addressed biodiversity, climate change, water systems and the Danube innovation ecosystem. They brought together regional stakeholders from science, business, governance and civil society to develop practical solutions.

Four living labs along the Danube

In May 2024, sustainable water systems and biodiversity were discussed at the International Symposium ‘Deltas and Wetlands’ in Tulcea (Romania). Based on scientific studies, stakeholders exchanged views on measures to conserve biodiversity. Solutions for improving water quality, reducing pollution and developing sustainable management strategies for the Danube were also part of the agenda.

In June 2024, an event was held in Osijek (Croatia) and examined the effects of climate change on the waters of the Danube region as well as measures to adapt to extreme weather events and strategies to strengthen the region's climate resilience.

On 8^th of July 2024, around 200 representatives from business, science and politics gathered for the conference ‘The Danube Region at the Turn of Times - Economic Cooperation and Hydrogen Supply Chains along the Danube’ in Ulm (Germany) and discussed economic cooperation and innovative developments along the Danube. The event was organised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism Baden-Württemberg, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ulm and the Danube Office Ulm/Neu-Ulm. In this framework, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum held a two-day workshop as part of the Upper Danube Living Lab with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Danube region.

On the first day, participants developed a joint vision and strategy for stakeholder mobilisation, knowledge transfer and the promotion of innovation. The second day was dedicated to practical implementation: through a design sprint, specific measures were evaluated in terms of feasibility and impact. The event in Ulm resulted in a joint roadmap as a strategic guideline for sustainable and competitive development and promoted dialogue across sector boundaries.

Participants of the workshops „Strengthening the Danube Innovation Ecosystem“ in Ulm, Germany, organised by Steinbeis Europa Zentrum in cooperation with the Priority 8 of the Danube strategy, Foto: Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Arbeit und Tourismus Baden-Württemberg

EcoDaLLi portal and Mission website provide information on project results

Parallel to these physical events, the EcoDaLLi portal was created as a central platform for knowledge transfer of best practices and project results. This includes, for example, a catalogue for nature-based solutions (NBS) and business innovations with filter options, an interactive NBS flow chart for evaluating and implementing NBS in the Danube catchment area and a stakeholder map to identify the most important players in the Danube region and establish contacts with partners. On the EcoDaLLi website, interested parties can find comprehensive information on the Mission Ocean and Waters, the Danube & Black Sea Lighthouse and other project activities.

Finally, the interactive website of the Mission Ocean & Waters offers a user-friendly introduction to the topic of water protection in Europe. It presents projects, players and progress made by the Mission with regard to its ambitious goals - including Steinbeis Europa Zentrum and other key players in the Danube & Black Lighthouse. Users are able to navigate virtually through the four Lighthouse areas and thus gain an in-depth understanding of the diverse measures taken for ecological and economic transformation with regard to European water protection.

Link to the interactive Mission Ocean and Waters website: https://missionoceanwaters.eu/

By the end of the project in 2026, EcoDaLLi will drive forward further measures to promote innovation in the Danube region. Planned activities include the development of the Danube Innovation Action Plan, targeted training measures for stakeholders in the Danube region and close cooperation with representatives from science, business and governance. Steinbeis Europa Zentrum is taking a key role and actively committed to the sustainable development of the Danube region.

EcoDaLLi Portal: EcoDaLLi Portal

EcoDaLLi website: EcoDaLLi – Horizon Project

Project description: https://steinbeis-europa.de/en/projects/restoring-the-danube-and-black-sea-by-creating-a-sustainable-innovation-ecosystem-ecodalli