The partners behind INCLUDE: ERNACT

To help introduce the partners behind INCLUDE, we asked each organisation to reflect on its main role and contribution within the project, what excites them about the collaboration, the key challenges and opportunities in their region, and what they hope to achieve by the end of INCLUDE. These questions help highlight the expertise each partner brings, the regional context they work in, and the shared ambitions that connect the partnership.

As project leader, ERNACT supports cooperation and coordination across the three projects brought together through INCLUDE: MINDSET, InnoGS and Innovation in Urban Planning. ERNACT also serves as the main link with the MINDSET project, helping to strengthen knowledge exchange and collaboration across the wider partnership. 

What is your organisation’s main role or contribution within INCLUDE?

ERNACT plays a dual role within INCLUDE. On the one hand, we act as the project leader, supporting effective cooperation and coordination across the three clustering projects. On the other hand, we serve as the main link with the MINDSET project, helping to ensure strong collaboration and knowledge exchange between the INCLUDE partners and the MINDSET consortium. Through these roles, we aim to maximise synergies, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and enhance the overall impact of the initiative.

What excites you about the INCLUDE project?

INCLUDE provides an excellent opportunity for us to once again participate in a clustering project. We have previously been involved in initiatives such as ARCTIC PACER and ARCTIC CLUSTER, which proved highly valuable in expanding the visibility and impact of participating projects. These experiences also created new opportunities for collaboration through engagement with a wider network of organisations and stakeholders. We are excited to build on that experience and help foster meaningful cooperation across the INCLUDE partnership.

What are the key challenges or opportunities in your region?

One of the key challenges—and equally one of the greatest opportunities—is engaging the wide range of organisations and stakeholders that can benefit from the project's activities and outcomes. By bringing together the lead partners of the three projects—MINDSET, InnoGS and Innovation in Urban Planning—we have a unique opportunity to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge and ensure that project results reach and benefit a broad audience across participating regions.

What would you like to achieve by the end of INCLUDE?

One of our main ambitions is to establish a sustainable Community of Practice that continues beyond the project's lifetime. We aim to promote knowledge exchange, support the uptake of innovation, and strengthen cooperation between regions and organisations. Ultimately, we want to demonstrate how digital innovation and participatory approaches can empower local communities to actively shape the future development of their territories.