Economic and demographic development in Baltic non-metropolitan regions is increasingly weak compared to the metropolitan regions. In order to gain balanced regional development, it is important to narrow the gap and support economic performance in non-metropolitan regions. BSR InnoReg utilizes the results of VBN InnoReg project (2006–2007) whose main outcome was a common understanding of regional innovation system dynamics and challenges as well as a joint development vision for Baltic non-metropolitan regions. Based on VBN InnoReg results, the capability of the innovation systems to secure availability of skilled work force and support the creation and reform of SMEs are regarded as the main challenges among Baltic non-metropolitan regions. To address these challenges and to operationalize the joint development vision, BSR InnoReg aims at improving innovation governance and enhancing attractive and complementary innovation support environments in Baltic non-metropolitan regions. During the project, long-term competence needs of development organizations in the partner regions are identified, which provides basis for regional development workshops and transnational training on selected key themes such as global networking and financing tools. New innovation support instruments concerning e.g. user-driven innovation, start-up financing and utilization of students in innovation processes will be developed jointly, tested in the partner regions and disseminated as a practical toolkit for the use of Baltic non-metropolitan regions. Furthermore, based on experiences of partners and results of project activities, a Memorandum of Understanding on efficient innovation governance in Baltic nonmetropolitan regions with recommendations and practical information on BSR innovation potential and shared challenges will be produced. The MoU will be signed by the involved decision-makers ensuring commitment of the participating regions to elaborate their innovation policies according to the shared development view. The project improves the capacities of decision-makers and development organizations of the partner regions for identifying future challenges and managing of risks in decision-making as well as for developing coherent innovation support services for SMEs. The project strengthens the role and commitment of the decision-makers of Baltic non-metropolitan regions in fostering the competitiveness of the BSR and increases recognition of the BSR as an attractive and dynamic region in the EU. BSR InnoReg involves 15 non-metropolitan regions from 7 BSR countries. The 19 partner organisations represent key actors supporting innovations: regional and local authorities as well as specialized development organisations, such as technology centres and business development agencies. Project activities are aimed at regional and local decision-makers, development organisations and SMEs in the partner regions. Achievements: When BSR InnoReg started with the kick-off seminar in Tampere in April 2009, the project consortium set out to carry through a work plan that had three special focuses. With active participation of all project partners and stakeholders and with the support of the Project Steering Committee and the Project Advisory Group, all the goals of the project were achieved. Here is an overview of what the BSR InnoReg network has accomplished. 1) Strategic transnational approach to innovation promotion The challenges of innovation promotion and BDOs in non-metropolitan regions as well as innovation cooperation in the BSR were discussed in the Baltic InnoReg Forum in Riga, Latvia, 18 June 2010. Main speakers of the Forum were Nikos Pantalos (DG Enterprise and Industry), Helene Vogelmann (Vinnova) and Vineta Griekere (BSR Programme 2007–2013). The Baltic Innovation Policy Memorandum, one of the main outputs of the project, was launched in the Baltic Innovation Policy Seminar in Brussels, Belgium, 16 June 2011. Speakers like Ms Pauliina Haijanen from the Committee of the Regions, Mr Anders Lindholm from DG Regio, European Commission, and Ms Anneli Pauli from DG Research & Innovation, European Commission, welcomed the work of BSR InnoReg as very valuable for reaching the goals of Europe 2020 and its Innovation Union flagship. The Memorandum encourages non-metropolitan regions to invest in smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and to make long-term commitments to regional innovation cooperation. 2) Competence building for business development organisations (BDOs) Based on the development processes in partner regions, BDOs’ key competences for the future were identified (e.g. strategic thinking, informational competences, project management and networking skills, partnership competence, and international competence). The essence of BDOs’ competence needs can be summarised as follows: “The winner in this reality show is well-informed, ready for changes and ready to provide services for tomorrow’s demand.” BSR InnoReg also organised four Transnational Training Modules (TTMs) for BDOs: - TTM Seinäjoki (October 2009): Preconditions for Successful Innovation Processes - TTM Tartu (March 2010): Creativity, Innovation & Management - TTM Riga (September 2010): Financing and Support for Start-up Companies - TTM Rostock (March 2011): Innovation Support Tools & Networking The experiences of the TTMs were transformed into a training programme. 3) Innovation support tools and practices Various innovation support measures were developed and tested by partners. The results were compiled into a handbook under the following headings: - Innovation voucher model - User-driven innovation – Living Labs - Start-up support – Business development and risk assessment tool - Involving students in innovation processes You can find all the outputs and the BSR InnoReg newsletters on the project website: www.baltic.org/bsrinnoreg