Carpathia Scientific Cooperation Net
Project Title: "Science for Cross-Border Functional Areas"
Source of Financing: Interreg Poland-Slovakia Program 2021-2027, Priority 4: Cooperation between Institutions and Residents of the Border Region
Implementation Period: January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Project Partners:
Carpathian Euroregion Association - Lead Partner
Mesto Medzilaborce
Jedlicze Commune
Total project value: EUR 338,278.50 (including ERDF: EUR 270,622.80)
Project value implemented by SEK: EUR 160,807.50 (including ERDF: EUR 128,646.00)
The Polish-Slovak borderland is a region with exceptional socio-economic, cultural, and natural potential. Its rich heritage is its unique distinguishing feature and a significant factor in promoting development, particularly in tourism. At the same time, the region faces challenges stemming from a lack of coordinated cross-border activities – initiatives were conducted primarily locally, without the full support of experts and scientists.
The idea and main goal of the project is to create a sustainable, cross-border system of scientific and institutional cooperation for the development of the Carpathians – the Carpathia Scientific Cooperation Net. The project involves:
- analyzing the region's scientific and institutional potential,
- developing a model for cooperation between science and practice,
- testing the system in two Cross-Border Functional Areas (TOF): the Low Beskids and Kremenaros,
- actively engaging youth in development processes,
- disseminating project results among institutions, businesses, and local communities.
The project will create a sustainable, cross-border cooperation system and a professional science, research, and development platform, enabling the effective use of scientific knowledge in planning and implementing development-oriented activities in the Carpathian region. This effective mechanism for coordinating cross-border activities will enable better planning of development initiatives, the implementation of innovations, and the strengthening of the region's socio-economic potential. The project promotes the common Carpathian brand CARPATHIA, supporting the long-term, sustainable development of the Polish/Slovak border.
Tasks
1. Project management
Establishing a system for coordinating and implementing project activities, including the purchase of necessary equipment.
2. Science and cross-border cooperation – analysis of the situation in the region
A comprehensive analysis of the potential for collaboration between research centers, public institutions, and stakeholders in the Polish-Slovak border region will be prepared.
The resulting report will include an inventory of universities, research institutions, and projects, an analysis of socio-economic problems and barriers to collaboration, and recommendations.
3. Development of a cooperation system for the development of the Carpathians – Carpathia Scientific Cooperation Net
Creating a model for sustainable scientific and institutional cooperation supporting the development of the Carpathian region.
The task includes:
- Preparing a PL-SK report on the cooperation system
- Organizing two consultation meetings in Poland and Slovakia
- A study visit to Italy – Gorizia
- Work of two experts on system implementation – from Poland and Slovakia
4. Testing the Carpathia Scientific Cooperation Net cooperation system in cross-border areas
The aim of the project is to verify the functioning of the system in the TOF Beskid Niski and TOF Kremenaros areas, and to engage local communities.
The project includes:
- Preparing and implementing a geosurvey
- Developing solutions to the TOF Beskid Niski problem
- Developing solutions to the TOF Kremenaros problem
- Developing areas of cooperation for both TOFs
- Organizing two workshops in Poland and two in SK
- Opening and managing the TOF Beskid Niski office
- Opening and managing the TOF Kremenaros office
- Furnishing the offices with equipment and furniture
5. Communication
Disseminating information about the project and its outcomes, promoting the region, and educating residents.
The following activities are planned as part of the project:
- an opening conference in Medzilaborce,
- a final forum - New Trends for the Carpathians - Science for Carpathia,
- an educational series called "Carpathian Science Days" in schools in Poland and Slovakia,
- radio broadcasts about the project and TOFs,
- production of two promotional films,
- publication of two publications promoting the project and TOFs,
- purchase of promotional materials and information boards.
