Innovation in Action: ACE²-EU’s ARC Knowledge Creation Team Workshops Foster Cross-Border Collaboration

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Three transformative events in Austria, Poland, and North Macedonia bring brought researchers together to tackle real-world challenges between December 2025 and February 2026.

Over the past three months, the ACE²-EU Alliance has hosted a series of Knowledge Creation Team Workshops (KCTWs) organised by its Applied Research and Innovation Centres (ARCs) in Austria, Poland, and North Macedonia, uniting researchers, industry experts, and Industry stakeholders to co-develop applied, interdisciplinary solutions to pressing European challenges. Organized under the ARIES Incubator, these workshops are a cornerstone of the alliance’s mission to bridge research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across borders. 

Address Global Challenges through Local Experience 

Each workshop brought together early-career and seasoned researchers, along with external partners, to collaborate, brainstorm, and prototype projects aligned with European priorities, from health resilience to digital transformation and sustainable development. 

These three events were just the beginning. Following these opportunities the ACE²-EU Alliance has made remarkable strides in joint research, development, and innovation (RDI), with 14 collaborative initiatives emerged in 2025. These initiatives span critical areas like digital transformation, sustainable technologies, and health & wellbeing, showcasing the alliance’s commitment to tackling Europe’s pressing challenges.  

This is a significant milestone in collaborative research and innovation, marked by a series of high-impact initiatives. Among these accomplishments is one successfully funded project under the Erasmus+ KA220-HED call, designed to enhance digital literacy and employability through innovative educational tools. Additionally, the alliance has submitted six ambitious proposals to prestigious funding programs, including Horizon Europe and Interreg Central Europe, targeting advancements in health research and sustainable business practices. A cutting-edge joint publication on AI-based assistive technologies, presented at a major international conference, further underscores the alliance’s commitment to inclusive innovation. Leadership within the alliance is notably diverse, with CUAS spearheading seven projects, while others contribute significantly, each leading multiple initiatives. These achievements highlight the alliance’s dynamic approach to fostering cross-border collaboration and driving societal impact. 

CUAS: A Leader in Driving Innovation 

CUAS has emerged as a key player in the ACE²-EU Alliance, leading 7 joint projects and contributing to 4 others. Their involvement spans digital transformation, health innovation, and sustainable technologies, demonstrating their commitment to applied research and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

Notable projects include: 

  • PolyTrans+: Supporting SMEs in adopting circular economy practices through digital tools. 
  • AURORA: A bilateral project with Goce Delčev University of Štip (North Macedonia), aimed at establishing long-term cooperation in research and education to support children with disabilities. 
  • Devex: Smart Training for the Danube Region – building on the ongoing Interreg TransAC project by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into vocational education and social inclusion activities. 

CUAS’s leadership underscores the strength of the ACE²-EU network, where shared expertise and resources pave the way for impactful, real-world solutions. Their contributions are a testament to the alliance’s mission: empowering Europe’s future through partnership and innovation. 

CUAS will continue to lead the way, with many more research projects in the pipeline, set to be submitted to various funding calls. The alliance is also gearing up for a series of upcoming events in 2026, including workshops in Romania (6-8 July) focused on Cybersecurity & Digital Sovereignty, Lithuania (22-24 September) exploring Green Circular Economy & Bio-Based Materials, and Portugal (2-4 December) addressing Healthy Ageing & Community Health Interventions. 

Have a project idea or interested in joining an upcoming event? Reach out to learn how you can get involved and contribute to shaping the future of research and innovation in Europe! 

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