At the end of August, scientists from all over Germany met in Berlin for the first status conference of the "REGION.innovativ" funding measure on the topic of "Researching regional factors for innovation and change - strengthening society's capacity for innovation". A total of 14 projects were presented in four clusters based on the funding topics, including the "Regional Innovation Capability" cluster, to which ATRAKTIV also belongs. In the short presentations, the conceptual and methodological approach of the projects as well as possible offers and needs of the research institutions were highlighted. The presentations by the social scientists and humanities scholars revealed many similarities, but also differences in terms of the project concept. There was a great desire for an exchange of methods, as there were overlaps in many projects, particularly in this area.

The ATRAKTIV team was actively involved - and not only because it was the project with the most scientific partners on site, but also because Leonie Liemich, research assistant at the TRAWOS Institute, moderated a thematic table in addition to presenting the main project content. The focus here was on the role of scientific partners such as universities and research institutions in regional innovation processes. The focus here was not only on the characterization and integration of the stakeholder group, but also on constellations leading to successful innovation processes as well as obstacles and framework conditions. A total of five scientists from our research network took part in the conference, and we were also able to use the event for an internal project exchange.

During the event, there was a particular focus on networking between the research partners as well as on the topics of transfer, conceptualizing terms such as "social innovation capability" and identifying key players on the ground. Like many other projects, the empirical phase is now starting after almost a year of funding. It will be interesting to exchange findings in a year's time and share our progress with others.