On September 16-17, 2024, Digital Wisdom participated in a transformative training session in Brussels, hosted at Les Ateliers des Tanneurs. Part of the REINFORCING project under Horizon Europe’s WIDERA initiative, this event was designed to equip Balkan grantees with the tools and knowledge to promote Open and Responsible Research and Innovation (ORRI). Representing Digital Wisdom were Matea Kiselicka and Tea Josimovska, who joined other participants in exploring practical strategies for embedding ORRI principles into institutional frameworks.

Highlights from the Training

The two-day event offered a rich program featuring expert-led sessions and collaborative workshops:

• Introduction to ORRI: Anna Pellizzone (Fondazione Giannino Bassetti) provided an insightful overview of ORRI principles, emphasizing their role in fostering inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration in research.
• Regional Challenges: Petar Vrgovic (FTN) presented an in-depth analysis of Balkan-specific R&I challenges, offering strategies for aligning regional research ecosystems with European standards.
• Hands-On Workshop: Petra Wagner (AIT) facilitated an interactive session, guiding participants through the practical application of ORRI principles in their projects.

Key Topics Discussed

The training covered diverse topics essential to advancing ORRI practices:

• Citizen Engagement: Encouraging the involvement of local communities in co-creation processes to ensure research outcomes reflect societal needs.
• Open Science Policies: Promoting compliance with FAIR data principles and open access to research findings.
• Ethical Research: Addressing ethical considerations in research and innovation to enhance transparency and societal trust.
• Inclusivity and Gender Equality: Exploring strategies to ensure equitable participation in research activities, particularly from underrepresented groups.

Participants also analyzed real-world case studies, shared best practices, and collaborated on actionable strategies for embedding ORRI principles within their organizations.

A Focus on Regional Cooperation

The training underscored the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening research and innovation ecosystems across the Western Balkans. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the event laid the groundwork for future joint initiatives aimed at advancing ORRI practices.

Next Steps

Equipped with actionable insights and practical tools, Digital Wisdom is committed to applying the knowledge gained to strengthen its ORRI efforts. This training marked an important step in our journey toward fostering a more inclusive, ethical, and sustainable research environment in the Balkans.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to implement these strategies in our projects and partnerships!