Priority 1

Key Information

Summary

In spite of its turbulent history, Europe has established itself as a continent with a functioning market economy, a democratic political system and which is associated with freedom and prosperity for all citizens. This is largely thanks to the excellent economic growth which was experienced on the old continent. A range of different statistics demonstrate the correlation between economic development and the quality of life experienced by the population. However, due to globalisation and social change, Europe is finding itself faced with increased competition from growing economic powers such as China, India and Brazil. Today, economic growth depends on innovation and research, making life-long learning more important than ever.

After the reduced sales figures experienced by the auto industry during the economic crisis, the industry has recovered sooner than expected and has even been able to win new markets for its products. Despite increased competition, there is growing demand for cars with an attractive design and innovative electronics as well as for future-oriented technology such as electro-mobility. Research and know-how are key to satisfying this demand.

This is why, a specialist training institution, the Automotive Academy, is to be established in Hungary. This will provide professionals from the automotive industry with a chance to be trained in relevant areas and to gain knowledge which they can apply in their work in the industry. These additional qualifications will help the employees to generate added value for their employers. In this respect, it is in both the employees' interest and that of their employers that they have this know-how which will set them apart from their competitors and give them a competitive edge. The project was commenced with a partnership between Austria and Slovakia and is now to be extended to Hungary, a country which is of great importance to the auto industry.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Establishing the an Automotive Academy in Hungary according to the model provided by the Automotive Academy Vienna Region


• Requirement and acceptance analysis of the new e-mobility course of study


• Development of a curriculum for a joint degree programme


• Development of an application for the new e-mobility degree


• Selection of the lecturers, as well as trainers, drawing up the content with reference to that tat the AAVR, determination of the accreditation


• Designing and developing infrastructure for the delivery of the study content


• Creation and running of a bilingual project website


• Press statements, presentations, events and trade fairs

Key Information

Summary

Hiking is in fashion. The unique geographical location of the long-distance hiking track alpannonia® makes this track a high-altitude, panoramic hiking trail from the Alps to the Hungarian Plain. The alpannonia® trail is a concept which uses both existing and new infrastructure to connect attractions and cultural and historic points of interest into a single, marketable experience.

This initiative will turn hiking tourism into a once-of-a-lifetime holiday attraction with harmonised quality standards throughout. To this end, the main trail and secondary paths have been cleared, marked and hiking points have been put up, as well as adventure points and rest stops with breathtaking views.

One of the key "soft measures" is awareness raising among the communities, the population and businesses. The marketing and publicity campaigns are all about networking and coordinating marketing efforts as well as hosting advertising on the homepage. Bookings which have already been received by businesses and are clearly thanks to alpannonia indicate that the concept of long-distance, cross-border hiking is a safe bet for success.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Unique, standardised hiking tourism product - Standardised hiking portals, signage and marking
• Tourist activities can be booked (baggage-free hiking, transport)
• Creation of unique adventure stations, cultural and historical points of interest and necessary infrastructure
• Creation of a common marketing campaign
• Hiking guide training for 10 alpannonia hiking guides

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Key Information

Summary

Secondary education dropouts (without a diploma) have no chances of getting a job. The 20-30% dropout rate at the Hungarian project partner is very high. The vocational training system in Hungary does not prepare students for their professions in the desired way. Employers complain that there is no adequately trained workforce available. Therefore, from the academic year 2013-2014 a dual vocational training is introduced in Hungary based on the Austrian model that includes theoretical education in schools and professional practice at companies.

Via field trips the officials responsible for Hungarian vocational training receive an overview regarding how the integration of disadvantaged students works in Austria. As a next step, a strategy of dual training is worked out and the Austrian model regarding the integration of disadvantaged students is adopted. Teachers together with business representatives work out the concept for the courses that prepare Hungarian and Austrian companies and employers for the new training system. The concepts are tested in pilot courses and are consequently evaluated. In the academic year 2013-2014 a mentoring programme is realised with the participation of two schools and enterprises so that the affected disadvantaged students could make progress both in school and during practical training. In the programme teachers and experts trained in the project mentor and walk along 20 disadvantaged students until they start their career.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Preparation of the dual training's strategy and adoption of the Austrian model


• Field trips to Austria to get acquainted with the dual training system


• Working out a course concept for Hungarian teachers based on well-functioning good practices


• Execution of pilot courses for teachers and enterprises


• Execution of the mentoring programme for the academic year 2013-2014


• Information leaflet on the well-functioning good practices in German and Hungarian


• Television and radio interviews (5-5 in Austria and Hungary)

Key Information

Summary

In 2007, Brandhaus, a building which was constructed in 1975 and which served many years as a venue for cross-border fire department training, was declared structurally unsound and could only be used subject to a number of limitations. For this reason, in 2007 and 2008, the need for a new structure for cross-border fire department training formed the subject of much discussion. A plan for joint use of this new facility, christened "BrandHÁZ" was also discussed.

The project is focussed on improving the co-operation in fire department training, intensifying cross-border emergency response co-operation and organising more efficient regional coordination of fire-fighting forces for cases of fire, rescue efforts and disaster response.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Joint planning and construction of BrandHÁZ, a regional, cross-border fire fighter training centre
• Joint, cross-border training
• Creation of joint, bilingual training materials, including a DVD video
• Three bilingual conferences (commencement of project, construction presentation, completion of project)

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Key Information

Summary

Poultry consumption per capita is rather high in Hungary, and it shows an increasing trend in Austria as well. This trend affects poultry farming enterprises, the region's economy and through pathogen microorganisms transmitted by different poultry it ultimately affects human health as well.

The Vienna Veterinary University (Vetmeduni Vienna) is an internationally acclaimed veterinary institute, while The Pannon University's Georgikon Faculty can boast of considerable experience regarding the area of livestock fodder. A knowledge base based on the different characteristics of the two institutes could assist the work of the region's poultry producers and could bring about progress in food safety and in the prevention of human diseases transmitted by different poultry.

The comprehensive objectives of the project include: the establishment of an educational and research co-operation to improve the efficiency of poultry production, with special regards to poultry fodder, poultry sanitation and food safety as well as the distribution of the accumulated knowledge base to the wider professional audience of the region through seminars to poultry industry actors, information materials and an interactive website. All this could promote the region's competitiveness and the work of poultry producers and sectoral decision-makers in the region.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• a study on the connection between fodder and pathogen caused diseases
• Development of tools adequate to identify the presence of pathogens
• Publication of results in a format useful to external partners and the producers of the region
• Include the acquired knowledge into the curricula of the two universities

Key Information

Summary

The European Commission published the Green Paper ‘Unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries’ on 29 April 2010. It was preceded by a 2007 Council decision that stated the importance of the creative industry's development regarding the prosperity of the EU. The European Parliament also called the Commission for the promotion of European creative industry development. The Green Paper states that there is significant unexploited growth and job creation potential in the creative industry, which if exploited, would be a considerable competitiveness factor. No connection has been established between the intellectual workshops, the Austrian and Hungarian interest representation organisations working along the creative industry, and no cross-border approach has been applied for the development of the creative economy in the region despite the generally high willingness to co-operate in the creative industry, mostly because economies of scale reasons.

The main objective of the project is to support enterprises and actors of the creative economy in the Austrian-Hungarian border region through the establishment and development of cross-border, value-chain based co-operations.

Objectives:

• Strengthen the relations between the different organisations in the creative industry, institutionalise cross-border co-operation
• Preparation of a cross-border creative cluster with tools supporting cluster formation that also help to combat economies of scale disadvantages (e.g. online platform for creative enterprises)
• Spread of best practices and organisation of business events for an exchange of experience
• Serve the real needs of the target group affected through training (e.g. in the field of innovation management and marketing)
• Network creation between education and the creative industries
• Raise awareness with regards to the concept of creative economy, improve the visibility of this economic sector
• Preparations to connect the future and already functioning Hungarian-Slovakian network

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Creation of principles and plans
• Data collection, database creation and database update (survey)
• Survey on local needs
• Industrial meetings for the entire creative industry, survey of needs and preparation of main thread
• Information days, bilateral business meetings, trainings and creative conferences
• Competition of creative game developers
• Game development workshop in schools
• Creative career-orientation games
• Creative career-orientation workshop in schools and vocational schools with the participation of experts and teachers
• Creative exhibition and fair
• Bilateral Creative Crafts Days
• Communication, marketing, dissemination
• Trial trip to the Hungarian border region in the following topics: ‘The transfer of bilateral good practices’, ‘Rare creative craftsmanship’

Key Information

Summary

The global financial crisis has made it necessary for businesses in Hungary and the Austrian state of Burgenland to adapt to the changing market conditions. The lack of resources - in particular time and money - makes it difficult for many SMEs to realise the full potential of their markets and to engage in long-term business planning. In this project, chambers of trade and commerce will act as "trend scouts", giving impetus for an ongoing optimisation process.
At an operational level, product, processing and employer qualification quality must be continuously optimised and adapted.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Investigation of regional purchase power streams
• "TrendScout" studies: These studies are aimed at identifying future trends and opportunities.
• Development of competency teams for quality management processes
• Quality management training
• Implementing personnel and organisation development instruments
• Cross-border working groups
• International training and information events, "Management Club" events
• Founder trade fairs

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Key Information

Summary

Under the motto "Interaction leads to sustainability", the European office of the Stadschulrat für Wien (State School Board of Vienna) is extending its cross-border schooling and education activities. The project is aimed at creating a new level of European identity though positive interaction and experiences with people in other countries and other cultures. A key part of this is the creation of new education focuses in the Centrope region.

The cross-border activities are aimed at students, teachers and education professionals in the region. School partnerships, internships in the neighbouring regions, language courses and the like will be used to help children to overcome their shyness and to plunge into a world of cultural and linguistic co-operation with neighbouring regions.
This kind of interaction is aimed at breaking down existing existing or future barriers in the hearts and minds of young Europeans. This is key to the positive development of the Centrope region as a place to live and work.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Development and opening of the "Centrope Education Zone", a language and competency centre in Vienna on 11 May 2009
• Development of teaching materials to learn the neighbouring language
• Partnerships between school classes in the regions, joint projects
• Education co-operation between professional colleges
• Internships for students in the neighbouring region
• Joint professional development for teachers
• Holding seminars for teachers and education professionals
• Exchanging foreign language assistants to support language learning

Key Information

Summary

Die grenzüberschreitende Zusammenarbeit – sowohl auf wirtschaftlicher als auch auf gesellschaftlicher Ebene - nimmt kontinuierlich an Bedeutung zu. Interkulturelle Kommunikations- und Wirtschaftskompetenzen sind auf dem gemeinsamen Wirtschafts- und Lebensraum nicht wegzudenken. Die dazu notwendigen Schlüsselqualifikationen sollen bereits in den Ausbildungsjahren erworben werden um damit die beruflichen Chancen der Jugendlichen zu verbessern.

Aus diesen Gründen wurde das grenzüberschreitende Bildungsprojekt „Educational Cooperation in the Border Region" initiiert, das zugleich auch die Ziele der NÖ Sprachenoffensive verfolgt.

Das Projekt zielt auf die nachhaltige Kooperation von Bildungseinrichtungen in der Grenzregion zur Förderung der sprachlichen, kulturellen und wirtschaftlichen Kompetenzen der Jugendlichen ab. Kindergärten, Schulen und schulische Übungsfirmen in der Grenzregion Westungarn und Industrieviertel sollen zur Teilnahme am Projekt und zur Nutzung der im Projekt angebotenen Aktivitäten und Ergebnisse motiviert werden.

EDUCORB fördert das Erlernen der regional relevanten Sprachen bereits vom jüngsten Kindesalter an, verstärkt die Kooperation von österreichischen und ungarischen Bildungseinrichtungen und schulischen Übungsfirmen, und ermöglicht Jugendlichen in der beruflichen Erstausbildung ihre fachlichen und sprachlichen Kenntnisse zu erweitern.

Im Rahmen des Projektes werden folgende Aufgaben verwirklicht:

• Förderung des Erlernens der regional relevanten Sprachen (HU, DE) vom Kindergarten bis zur Matura
• Methodische Entwicklungen für den Fremdspracherwerb im frühen Kindesalter (Handbuch, Seminare)
• Förderung von nachhaltigen Kooperationen zwischen Kindergärten, Schulen und schulischen Übungsfirmen in der Grenzregion (Organisation von zielgruppenorientierten
• Veranstaltungen, Workshops, Wettbewerben)
• Know-How Transfer durch Best-Practice Erfahrungsaustausch und Seminare („reisende PädagogInnen System)
• Erstellung einer neuen E-Learning Qualifizierungsmöglichkeit „Grenzüberschreitende Handels und Wirtschaftskenntnisse im Österreichisch-Ungarischen Raum“
• Abwicklung grenzüberschreitender Berufspraktika (mit finanzieller Unterstützung des „Leonardo da Vinci“ Mobilitätsprogramms)

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Key Information

Summary

An Austrian-Hungarian cross border educational project to supports the continuous language acquisition of the regional languages from a very early age.

“EDUCORB extended" builds upon the results of the previous project ECUCORB and aims to promote young people's cross-cultural communication skills in the region to increase their competitiveness on the common labor market.

After introducing of the neighbour languages German and Hungarian in pilot kindergartens the focus now lies on promoting the continuous acquisition of the foreign language from kindergarten to the last school year, the deepening of methodological innovation and cross-border cooperation between kindergartens and schools. An important factor for positive learning results is the motivation of the learners, which is promoted by personal contacts and practical experiences in the other country in form of bilateral events, school projects and internships. Regular network meetings for kindergartens and schools and common language symposia provide a platform for shared ideas, methodological exchange and knowledge transfer. To ensure the quality of language teaching training opportunities for language teachers are offered as well. A study accompanying the project evaluates its outcomes and provides sustainability.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Supporting the learning of languages relevant to the region (HU, DE) from kindergarten through to the end of high school
• Methodical development of foreign language learning at young ages (handbooks, seminars)
• Development of sustainable co-operation between kindergartens, schools and tuition businesses in the border region (organisation of target group-oriented events, workshops, competitions)
• Know-how transfer through best practice experience exchanging and seminars (travelling teacher system)
• Creation of a new e-learning qualification system entitled "Cross-border trade and commerce knowledge in the Austro-Hungarian region"
• Development of cross-border professional internships (with financial support from the "Leonardo da Vinci" mobility programme)

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Key Information

Summary

 How to convince the great public in Hungary and Austria that electric cars are operational and enhance electromobility in the cross-border region?

With the projet E-VIA 2012, the so called “24 cities” will try to support both electromobility in the cross-border region and thriving downtown areas. In order to ensure sustainable impacts, the partnership initiated in the framework of the project „City Cooperation” will be enlarged and the scope reduced to focus on specific fields.

The following objectives will in particular be pursued:

• creating a large thematic partnership in charge of implementing E-VIA and make of electromobility an acknowledged challenge in Austria and Hungary;
• convincing citizens and positioning electromobility as a relevant environmental-friendly transportation mean;
• informing the great public, entrepreneurs, private actors and tourists from both sides of the border about the possibility to switch to electromobility;
• initiating a competence partnership on Clean Mobility between relevant industries settled in the cross-border region;

Four target groups have been identified:

• enterprises and actors operating the field of electromobility and renewable energy (e.g. car-producers, electricity suppliers, “Energieregionen”, solar industry) that will cooperate and thus develop or reinforce their position on the market thanks to E-VIA;
• communes and cities from the program area, which will be assisted in developing the necessary common cross-border infrastructure for electromobility;
• electromobility pioneers, which will be invited to take part in EVIA with their electric vehicles in order to be granted recognition for their commitment to innovation.
• citizens and tourists from the cross-border region, who will be encouraged throughout the project to embrace eco-friendly transportation means.

The implementation of the project will take place through the following steps:

• precisely definition of the E-VIA 2014 concept;
• creation of the partnership;
• preparation of E-VIA 2014 implementation;
• implementation of E-VIA 2014;
• evaluation of E-VIA 2014 and development of sustainability concepts;

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Key Information

Summary

The European integration process is embodied by the increased economic and social co-operation at a regional level across national borders. When it comes to the job market and employment policy, the EXPAK AT-HU cross-border co-operation project makes one thing clear: the challenges experienced in the job market in border regions can be successfully overcome when the relevant institutions and players work together effectively.

EXPAK AT.HU is a forum which allows regional players and labour policymakers to exchange information and know-how, to work together on joint projects and to work together on cross-border employment policy.

The project is aimed at creating sustainable networking of labour market policy institutions and players in the border region. The overall goal is to develop and execute joint solutions for job market-related challenges on both sides of the border.

Other important goals include intensifying co-operation between job market institutions (job centres, NGOs, social partners, training institutions, etc.), both at a regional level and developing concrete projects for groups who are at a disadvantage in the job market.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• The issuing of an annual report ("Integration Monitor") which will form a theoretical basis for the activities of EXPAK AT.HU and contain the current research results, data analysis and the results of an annual business survey. This will mean that developments in the job market over the span of the entire project duration should be able to be followed and understood.
• Development and execution of two cross-border projects for the unemployed.
• Joint development of business-based services for the Roma target group (e.g. awareness-raising measures).
• Development and guidance of systematic partnerships between regional job centres in Burgenland and neighbouring Hungarian regions.
• Organising conferences, seminars, excursions and internships to trade information and create dialogue on developments in the job market and in employment policy.

Key Information

Summary

Dealing with climate change has become one of the largest challenges for humanity (IPCC). This especially applies to forest ecosystems, as it is particularly difficult for them to adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions, given their long lifespan and slow growth. According to Hungarian meteorological analyses, the target region which lies within the Carpathian Basin is subject to some of the most significant, negative climatic changes. This means that beech tree forests are in particular danger.

One of the goals of this research is an analysis of the vulnerability of these extremely valuable hardwood tree reserves to the anticipated results of climate change. This should lead to development of sustainable methods of damage reduction.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Spatial interpolation of climate data
• Development of validated models for carbon, water and nutrient cycles and dry tolerance
• Microclimatic measurements and health condition data collection 

Key Information

Summary

Dynamic economic growth is based on qualified workforce at the companies. The increasing shortage of experts in scientific and technical professions makes a boost of career orientation quality necessary (according to the Confederation of Industrialists in Styria the need is particularly high in the following fields: machinery production, electronics, material science, metallic industry and process technology). Young people, primarily girls and young women often have a very narrow career choice they select from. Many of them do not have any or only very limited information on the characteristics of technical professions and the materials used.

The objective of the project is to generate interest among young women new to the labour market for scientific and technical professions, and consequently reduce the shortage of experts and improve the labour market situation in these regions. Women already working in the fields of metallic industry and electronics will be involved in the project in order to serve as an example to other young women and girls.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Working out a model to motivate young women and girls to choose scientific and technical professions


• Establishment of a cross-border competence network with industrial premises, schools and institutions to make directly related information and experience exchange possible


• Establishment and execution of 5 partnerships between schools and companies (with highly skilled female employees) as pilot projects in Austria and Hungary to enable further projects to be launched. The execution would include women working in the field of metallic industry and electronics as coaches (role models), in order to open new perspectives to the younger generation during the workshops

Key Information

Summary

The capacity of the Neusiedler See – Lake Fertõ region will be improved by a cross-border data bank with regard to environmental protection, sustainable tourism and its operation. A precise topography of the lake bed enables the identification and assessment of the effect of human interventions on nature, the environment, the regional climate and economic utilisation.

The lake measurements will be continually registered and analysed with the participation of the Austrian and Hungarian partners, and this way a complete picture on the state and of the future of Neusiedlersee/Lake Fertõ is gained. The airborne laser scanning recordings, the echo sounding measurements and point measurements will map the surface of the lake bed. Following data preparation, the digital products will be made available to regional users and they will be published in the form of a CD-ROM, maps, printed articles, radio and television interviews. This data helps to make recommendations to avoid muddy bottom generation, enables easier water level management, long-term feasibility of environmental protection tasks, perfection of the flood protection system and optimalised utilisation of the lake shores.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Creation of the Neusiedlersee/Lake Fertõ region's first cross-border digital geo-database
• Assessment of the Austrian and a Hungarian lake bed measurements
• Unified digital preparation of the data
• The transformation of the database into a common European reference system
• Organisation and execution of 12 working group meetings
• Echo sounding profile and sediment measurements in open waters, the main canals and the Hanság main canal
• 3D recording of the mud surface
• Point measurements on the ground by the reed and on the lake side
• Airborne laser scanning of the lake bed and the Hanság canal and data analysis
• Data publishing and information sharing on public informative events

Key Information

Summary

Although there is considerable cross-border movement of patients and employees, there is not any cross-border co-operation between hospitals, nor is it possible for health personnel to undertake any cross-border professional development or training. In addition to this, all hospitals and clinics consume large amounts of electricity and create a lot of waste. For this reason, these areas should be subject to more experience exchange, knowledge management and co-operation to try to save money and move towards more efficient use of resources.

HEALTH is a programme which is focussed on supporting competence development and co-operation among players based around know-how exchange, knowledge transfer, training and bench learning, the overarching aim being to provide patient-oriented and cost-efficient healthcare. To ensure that the programme is as effective as possible, the following three areas of focus have been defined: personnel knowledge and quality management, energy management and resource and waste management.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Knowledge and quality management: a comparative study of services, working on common courses and tandem programmes, pilot master programme on "Quality Management in Healthcare"
• Energy management: analysis of energy use, energy saving potential research, 3 – 6 Best Practice examples
• Resource management: analysis of current waste management, input-output analysis, catalogue of waste management measures and concepts

Key Information

Summary

Even though it has been years since Hungary joined the EU, the Burgenland-West Hungary border region is a region which is full of economic and social disparity. The difference in wages ranges from 1:3 to 1:5 and although the economic crisis has left both countries with higher unemployment, the situation in West Hungary has been much more serious. However, the labour market is becoming increasingly open: the West Hungary region alone sees more than 12,000 Hungarian workers commute to jobs in Burgenland on a daily basis. This is often attached to a number of disadvantages - e.g. the inability to find a job which is worthy of one's qualifications or to have to work for up to 40% less than a domestic employee.

The Burgenland-West Hungary border region has been particularly affected by the gradual liberalisation of the labour market. This liberalisation has brought with it considerable pressure on the Burgenland job market, causing wages in some sectors to plummet, driving some people from working in certain jobs. In the West Hungarian job market, on the other hand, a lack of professionals is rife.
An 18-person project team is working with employees at 11 locations in Burgenland and West Hungary, providing extensive information and guidance as part of the IGR Project. This project is aimed at working with Hungarian and Austrian employees to improve the employment situation and to lead to better wage and working conditions.

The daily contact with affected employees has allowed the project team to quickly identify first-hand problems and weakness in the job market. The relevant cross-border partners and institutions can use the information and experience won in this way to work on ways to combat this disparity.

The cross-border and bilingual character of this project offer a platform for the networking and co-operation of Austrian and Hungarian interest groups and institutions. Technical and language courses do not only make it easier for employees to cope in an international job market, it also supports the representatives of institution and social partners to overcome language barriers. A further advantage is the fact that workers will get to know the system and legal framework in place in their neighbouring country. Particular areas of focus include health and care, employee protection, youth and atypical employment.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Providing information to the employees of the Burgenland-West Hungary region in questions of cross-border employment
• Measures to combat the lack of professionals in Burgenland and West Hungary
• Securing minimum standards for employees
• Development of proper and permanent employment contracts
• Cross-border education measures
• Development of sustainable partnerships and co-operation networks
• Combating preconceptions and prejudice

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Key Information

Summary

Urban technologies are considered to be a sustainable and an increasing economic factor for the regional economy and the related research and education partners. At the same time cities and regions must face different city-related tasks and strict environmental EU regulations. In order to meet these regulations decisions regarding the new technologies must be made, but public administration decision-makers and players can not always make the most adequate decisions.

INNOSPIRIT would like to consistently improve the use of technologies available in cities and in different regions. The project receives assistance through the recommendations of an expert pool, which primarily organises the knowledge required for urban technologies in a transparent format. With this aim, they seek rather direct, immediate execution during the project duration. The process requires thorough previous examination so that the most appropriate tools and contents could be selected. It is followed by a short-term execution so that economically feasible solutions would be created in the cities and regions through the application of optimised technologies and that their competitiveness would be enhanced.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Optimising technology application and technology transfer in the participating cities


• The development and execution of adequate new methods and services


• Analysis on the application of technologies in city-related tasks of participating cities


• At least four prepared and transferable practical examples


• Working out a strategic plan for possible future projects

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Key Information

Summary

The size of the Austrian-Hungarian border region is 23.921 km2, its population is 3.7 million. Thanks to its favourable geographical location, the region has experienced an exceptionally dynamic growth in the last 10 years. This fact is manifested in the high number of active and prospering small and medium-size enterprises and highly qualified workforce, in the dynamically developing service sector and the great potential found in innovation. However, there are significant differences in the economic structures found on the two sides of the border. On the Austrian side the gross domestic product per capita in 2005 reached 162% of the EU27 average, while the same figure in Western Transdanubia (Hungary) was only 64%. In order to support the hidden growth potentials it is necessary to set up common strategies and implement them in the form of long-term co-operations especially in the area of innovation which is a drive behind the region's development.

Recently the concept of “Open Innovation” has become widely known. The basic idea is the following: a company must apply internal and external ideas and market guidelines in order to develop new technologies. To actively include external players' ideas and processes into their own processes requires a change of mentality from companies. It is possible to generate a greater added value with the inclusion of other organisations and by building an innovation network (e.g. with other companies from the same sector, co-operating with research institutes). The project objective is to provide support to companies primarily in the field of mechatronics and smarthouse technology with the aim of creating new innovations. The basic idea is to search and find SMEs and research centres on both sides of the border, and to establish an interregional innovation network and a matching innovation support system (ISS).

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Study on the value-creation chains in mechatronics


• Data bank with relevant players in the cross-border region


• Analysis of the research and development platforms of relevant projects


• 2-day trainings for facilitators, the goal is to train at least 10 facilitators


• Communication and IT-support co-operation group


• Mechatronics analysis regarding the innovation incentives active in the region covered by the co-operation


• Workshop with the participation of stakeholders, an interregional working group, a field trip organised for SMEs and R&D departments in order to include active participants on both sides of the border


• Comprehensive manual to the ISS system


• Description of the selected methodology


• Best innovative idea


• Training and consultation programme


• Development strategy study

Key Information

Summary

The Austro-Hungarian border region has experienced dynamic economic development and growth in the last ten years. In spite of this, the economic structures vary greatly from one side of the border to the other. In order to support hidden economic potential, it is necessary to come up with joint strategies - particularly in the area of innovation - and to execute these in long-term co-operation.
IRIS is about integrating individual innovation systems to improve economic co-operation between Austria and Hungary.
As part of the programme, we will develop an interregional knowledge base which concentrates on international location development and improved marketing of existing locations. Furthermore, the competence fields of engineering and resources will be prepared for joint co-operation. The goal of interregional SME networking is to identify entrepreneurial ideas with the potential to add value to the region, to support these ideas and to contribute to their execution through the provision of professional guidance and networking.
The expected results: an increased location value and attraction, increased competitivity, the development of research co-operation and the establishment of a long-term partner network.

Key Information

Summary

Middle Feistritz Valley in Austria is the home to a new Kneipp-Aktiv activity park which covers some 13 municipalities. This project is aimed at the creation of a similar park in the Vasvar region in Hungary, spreading the Kneipp philosophy and methods and giving impetus for health and tourism activity in the region. At the same time, specific activities will be used to add to the existing Kneipp-Aktiv Park in Middle Feistritz Valley.

The experience that the Austrians have already built up can be used to develop a Kneipp-Aktiv activity park in Hungary. One key point in this context is ensuring that the population can identify with the theme. For this reason, awareness raising, information campaigns, training etc. form a key part of the project. In addition to actively supporting fitness and good health, the topic can also be put to use in improving tourism. The two regions wish to work together to position themselves as an international Kneipp destination. To this end, they will develop a mission statement from which tourism potential will flow.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Construction of Kneipp facilities in 13 Hungarian municipalities


• Seminars, events and awareness raising measures on the Kneipp philosophy and methods in both regions


• Training for doctors and other medical-health professionals


• Production of related literature and a handbook


• The creation of a mutual mission statement on the development of health and fitness-promoting measures according to the Kneipp method


• Development of tourism activities and marketing measures


• Bringing a sense of awareness regarding health and fitness matters to the community

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Key Information

Summary

The Leitha River is the perfect way to attract water sports to the border region. The Little Leitha is a watercourse that offers access to the wilderness of the floodplains. 
Water sports are something that connect the townships of the region and are strongly anchored in the population. To make canoe trips more attractive to tourists, it will be necessary to both modernise existing infrastructure and to build new infrastructure such as mooring points and information stations. For this to be possible, it will be necessary clean the waterway on a regular basis. Furthermore, it will be necessary to co-operate to develop offers and a joint marketing strategy.

The goal is the development of a cross-border tourist attraction which will encompass canoe trips on the Leitha-Kleine Leitha-Mühlen Arm of the Leitha from Bruckneudorf to Mosonmagyaróvár. This will lead to increased economic activity and quality of life in the regions in question. Guided boat tours, sport events, training, creation of infrastructure and jobs. Awareness-raising among students and the youth.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Creation of infrastructure: Mooring points, boat stations, signing, removing logs or driftwood blocking routes, providing kilometre signing-milestones
• Creation of jobs: Leitha guides with knowledge about the river, boat tours, nature, culture, points of interest and gastronomy in the region; new jobs in gastronomy and accommodation
• Creation of a communication strategy with a website, a video and 2 annual regional events

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Summary

Hungarian Baptist Aid and their Austrian partner organization LEFÖ-IBF launched their joint project LUCIA against human trafficking on September 1st, 2013.
13% of the victims of human trafficking in Austria are Hungarians. Although those affected (mostly women) do get some help and support on both sides of the border, still, repatriating Hungarian victims requires a close cooperation between the experts of the two countries. Both partners face the problem of a significant lack of professionals (especially police personnel, lawyers, medical doctors, psychologists) prepared for the task of caring for, informing and helping victims. LEFÖ-IBF is often confronted by the problem of not being able to secure assistance for Hungarian victims after their arrival home because of an absence of contact with Hungarian professionals. The number of those affected is high enough for Baptist Aid to work involving even more domestic professionals in their activities with the purpose of being able to offer an efficient kind of help.

The target group of the project is constituted by victims of human trafficking and the professionals who come into contact with them in the course of their work. In connection with Hungarian women and girls, the primary association in the context of human trafficking is with sexual exploitation in the public opinion. However, there is also a smaller number of men (1-2% among those arriving under the care of LEFÖ-IBF and HBAid) affected by such a situation. Besides this, statistics from LEFÖ show that a significant proportion of the victims are exploited through the use of their work force (e.g. as household workers). Those affected are directed to IBF in Austria and to HBAid in Hungary primarily by the police. HBAid anticipate that as the application of the statutory definition of the felony of forced labour and exploitation, included in the Hungarian Penal Code in force since July 1st, 2013, gains ground, it will create opportunities for establishing contact with an increasingly greater number of victims (many of them probably men).

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Developing a strategy for identifying and reaching out to those affected by work exploitation
• Implementing two research programs in the partner countries concerning work exploitation and the use of coercion as a means of procuring labour force
• An exchange of experience between the partners
• Setting up a network of experts in the border region to facilitate helping the victims
• Establishing and operating a coordination centre for the purpose of helping victims
• Establishing a temporary home for the victims

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Key Information

Summary

The Austrian and Hungarian brass music have common roots, which date back to the time of the Monarchy's army field band, and marching is an important part of this tradition. While in Austria it has been treasured and authentically practiced in a manner adjusted to contemporary requirements, the tradition became almost totally extinct in Hungary following World War II. In order to fill this ‘void’ a Hungarian marching system will be developed in this project built on the Austrian practice. By making the Austrian and Hungarian rating system homogeneous a common evaluation becomes feasible. The creation of a Hungarian system would also be welcomed by field bands in Burgenland, which have many qualified Hungarian choir directors and musicians among their members, struggling to find the necessary replacement. The Brass Band of Sopron as the only Hungarian member of the Brass Association of Burgenland along with the association would like to create closer ties between Austrian and Hungarian brass bands and find common solution for the shared problems.

Objectives:

• Building and strengthening personal and professional relations between Austrian and Hungarian field bands along the border. Thanks to the unified marching and band qualifying regulations Austrian and Hungarian field bands will reach the same level which enables common evaluations


• Protection and safekeeping the common cultural and historical background. By adopting the brass music traditions that are based on the military regulations of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy the cultural and historical past of the cross-border region becomes connected again


• Common solution for questions regarding replacement training: the root of the problem can be traced back to fairly identical social changes. A music camp is organised to promote cross-border relations between Austrian and Hungarian young people, their professional and artistic development, and ultimately to assess motivation opportunities


• To present the brass music traditions to the wider audience, widen the region's cultural offer and to provide higher quality cultural services

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Working out marching and brand qualifying regulations for brass bands


• Organisation of drum major trainings


• March qualifying events


• Music camps for Austrian and Hungarian young people


• Working out a concept to tackle the issue of younger generation replacement


• Public closing concert and involve public figures and media representatives


• Accepting a strategic document and action plan regarding structured future co-operation of cross-border brass bands

Key Information

Summary

In the ‘BILKIG – Bilingual education in the kindergarten project’ a system of bilingual afternoon courses for kindergarten age children was introduced in Draßburg and Ágfalva. The project proved to be a success and it serves as a model for other border regions. Due to the BILKIG project there is now an increased interest for bilingual education in both of the villages, therefore the self-governments of Draßburg and Ágfalva decided to develop the project further. The objective of the project is to extend language training in the kindergartens and schools of the two villages. Due to the received academic support and the supervision of the participating teachers an improvement of quality is expected during the organised German, Hungarian and Croatian language classes.

The main objective of the project is to expand multi-lingual education opportunities at the involved institutions (both in kindergartens and schools) and to improve the quality of multi-lingual education in Draßburg and Ágfalva.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Quality management and academic support of multi-lingual education with the participation of students and teachers at PH Burgenland and NYME BPK
• Change of mentality among parents and other local people regarding multi-lingual education (organisation of informative events)
• Dissemination of achievements to enable application of the used solutions in the entire border region (multiplier events for regional teachers, organisation of symposium)

Key Information

Summary

The course of advanced age sickness has significantly changed in the last few years. Many elderly people receive care at an increasingly worse state. These patients struggle with chronic, incurable diseases that require palliative care from the very beginning as far as medication, care, therapy or mental assistance are concerned. This constitutes a new challenge to health care workers who cannot meet the new expectations without learning new information about hospice and palliative care. The process of integration starts with the inclusion of an entire organisation and all internal and external colleagues. The concept is unique because the workers who participate in interdisciplinary further trainings return to structures that promote the creation of a hospice mentality and palliative care. Presently elderly homes cannot receive these patients, on the Hungarian side of the border these facilities are lacking. Death and dying are ‘taboos’ and a campaign is required to change this approach.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Conducting a survey on the regional deficiencies regarding needs


• Carrying out a feasibility study


• Preparation of building permit design plans of a hospice house in the Zalaegerszeg small region


• A multiplier training course


• Organisational development


• ‘Nárcisz – campaign for acceptance in schools and other educational institutes

Key Information

Summary

The Oststeiermark and Vas regions are made unique by their richness in cultural and natural landscapes specific to the region. These landscapes have been shaped by centuries of settlement and human occupation and represent a range of different plant and animal types, regional traditions and culinary specialities.
Oststeiermark has identified this cultural diversity as being a special selling point of the region and has been marketing these regional specialities in co-operation with the sub-regions in the area as "Austria's Garden".

Cross-border co-operation should now be used to achieve new levels of knowledge-based quality in "Austria's Garden". Existing and future experience potential should be identified for this special garden and new, future-oriented tourist opportunities should be harnessed to develop special activities involving the region's unique natural and cultural landscapes. This will allow Oststeiermark and Vas to strengthen their image and to attract more visitors to the region. Active communication of the tourist activities and intensive co-operation with partners in Austria and Vienna will be drawn on to support this growth. In particular, new forms of tourist experience will be drawn on (seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting feeling). Furthermore, tourist and learning experiences in Vienna, Vas and Oststeiermark will be presented in a joint tourism trade fair presence in Vienna, Berlin and Budapest.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Analysis of natural and cultural landscapes (existing - new potential)
• Awareness raising among the sub-regions, accommodation and other tourist service providers to inform them of the special value of regional biodiversity
• Increasing the competence of tourism service providers, regional organisations and training institutes to communication region-specific biodiversity
• Development and execution of concrete regional and cross-border experience offers for tourism and education
• Active communication with selected target groups (visitors, residents, students, etc.)

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Key Information

Summary

Austria and Hungary are both experiencing similar problems in the employment market - there is a lack of qualified personnel. Unfortunately, people do not understand the need for a coordinated response to shared problems across borders and across different interest groups.

In daily practice, smooth cross-border co-operation between job market agencies and social partners is hampered by a number of obstacles which also make cross-border mobility more difficult. It is important to address these challenges in a way deals with the difficulties faced on both sides of the border and by all interest groups in the common labour and economic region, proposing concrete solutions which deal with regional needs and interests.

The key tasks for the cross-border labour market project "Network for Labour Market Co-operation in the Border Region HU-AT" (NetLab") is the development of an active cross-border and multi-interest network for regional social partners, job market policymakers and labour market administration in the Austro-Hungarian border region (industrial zones, Burgenland, West Hungary). This partnership allows discussion and information swapping, the creation of a common understanding of the problem and the development of approaches and strategies (on matters such as the lack of qualified personnel, the universality of qualifications, cross-border job placement, etc.) to allow a swift reaction to changes and challenges in the labour market on both sides of the border.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Bilateral networking
• "Jobguide" to compare qualifications
• Cross-border job placement
• Strategy to address lack of qualified personnel
• Regional job market analyses
• Information offensive

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Key Information

Summary

The main goal of the cross-border disaster control partnership is to be able to provide mutual, swift assistance, raising the efficiency of disaster response. The first quarter of an hour is decisive in saving lives. Since Hungary has become part of the Schengen area, a unique opportunity has presented itself for Austro-Hungarian co-operation in disaster management and the provision of assistance.

The project provides for joint activities and developments which transform the co-operation into a strategic partnership which takes into account sources of danger typical to the region such as boat fires at Lake Neusiedler or forest fires around Sopron.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Decision-making system: cross-border notification and information exchange system
• Study of the status quo
• Joint training exercises on land and water
• Development of bilingual disaster control study materials, common disaster control training

Key Information

Summary

Bilateral business relationships have grown rapidly over the last few years as a result of globalisation and the development of the Austro-Hungarian co-operation region. Co-operation with a different culture, even a neighbouring one, can, however, pose some challenges.
Furthermore, there may also be high overhead costs associated with cross-border partnerships.

OPTICOM is a project which is aimed at optimising cross-border business and improving competitivity across the whole region using targeted intercultural competence measures and efficient and innovative communication technology.

The project is mainly aimed at businesses, especially SMEs on both sides of the border which are actively engaged in cross-border business or are interested in commencing cross-border operations. Public-sector entities and key players in the project area may also benefit from the programme.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Data collection regarding intercultural and communication technology


• State WIFI training and certification


• Train the trainer workshops


• Development of an OPTICOM competency pool with a directory of qualified trainers

Key Information

Summary

The Örség-Raab-Gorièko areas form a border region which is unique in Europe - they contain the Hungarian, Austrian and Slovenian tri-national nature reserve. The Iron Curtain which forced economic development into the shadows has made it necessary to invest a lot of effort into ensuring that chances for economic development today are not missed.
The ÖRRAGO project is intended to provide impetus for training, awareness raising, product development and nature and landscape protection, cultural exchange, trade in goods at a sole-trader and artisan level.

Increasing the quality of ecotourism attractions is in the interest of both the regional product range as well as the maintaining of natural and cultural resources of the three regions. In this respect, the development of the tri-national nature reserve is a fine example of cross-border co-operation. Some of the key areas of success have been positioning the tri-national nature reserve as a unique tri-lateral nature and cycling region, increasing the quality of the ecotourism attractions and thus attracting new visitor groups as well as establishing and maintaining effective infrastructure and nature management.

One key measure in this regard is positioning the Schloss Tabor palace as an internationally-recognised transnational culture and festival centre by investing in new programmes such as an Austro-Hungarian summer academy for young artists in selected areas (such as singing, composing and dance).
Other examples which may be useful in attracting new visitor target groups are the mise-en-scene of the Roman artefacts found in St Martin in the Erlebnishaus Römer Roman museum or the Cistercian tourism programme which features a Roman adventure trail and cycling path.

A further key activity is the nature reserve academy in Alsoszölnök which provides education and training, product development and nature and landscape protection. They provide training for adventure guides, public services, excursions, summer camps, training units for sole traders and training for nature reserve guides.

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Key Information

Summary

The results of an analysis of energy-optimised construction education carried out as part of the ETZ AT-HU 2007-2013 project CEEBEE showed that there is significant room for improvement in both Austria and Hungary when it comes to further training and professional development options in the area of energy-efficient construction. This lack of options is to be addressed through a unique, international, modular passive house craftsmen course model, the first of its kind in Europe.

The new energy-efficient construction training course is aimed at construction workers, developers and housing construction companies. Applications have been made for acceptance into the ECVET credit system and a recognised PHI certification which will ensure that the passive house craftsmen course will be internationally recognised, increasing the employment prospects of construction workers, especially Hungarian ones, making them internationally mobile. The didactic concept which has been specially adapted to the trades in question has a special focus on target group-oriented manners of speech, a relatively low proportion of contact hours, on-site training at Passive House construction sites, mentoring by experienced professionals on our teaching sites and e-learning and mentoring modules.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Developing partnerships, translation services, public relations work


• Research and analysis, course concept development, development of written course materials, e-Learning module, "Train the Trainer" pilot


• ECVET and ISO 17924 certification


• Financing and execution models

Key Information

Summary

The fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989 was an historic event. Although the events across Europe are equally interesting, nowhere else has their tourism potential been tapped into. Given that the existing memorial is not suitable as a tourist destination, we have decided to build on the Pan-European Picnic to take advantage of the joint historical and cultural tourism potential of the border region.

The PIKNIK project is about turning the remembrance of the fall of the Iron Curtain into a tourism product. This will see a redesign and refurbishment of the memorial. The area surrounding the memorial will be transformed into a memorial park which reminds us of the opening of the borders and the fall of the Iron Curtain.
This is aimed at increasing the range and quality of tourist attractions, expanding the target groups, increasing visitor numbers and instilling among visitors an appreciation of freedom and a feeling of community.

One key attraction will be the memorial celebrations marking the opening of the Sopron-Ödenburg border and the opening of the new memorial park. The following day will see a remembrance picnic and jubilee celebrations marking the 21st anniversary of the picnic at the newly reconstructed remembrance park bringing together local residents as well as cycling, ecological and hiking tourists. A conference is going to be held to discuss possible tourist activities and a joint marketing plan.

In addition to those already mentioned, a number of other outstanding events have been planned. One of these events is the so-called "Trabi-Treffen", a meeting organised in association with German "Trabiclubs" (clubs for friends and collectors of the iconic East German car, the Trabant"). A further event is the remembrance friendly game between Austria and the German Democratic Republic (in commemoration of the last official game played by the East Germans).

Key Information

Summary

Pilgrimage trips have been experiencing something of a renaissance over the past few years. Countless people have begun to turn to short hiking trips along historical pilgrimage trails for an escape from the rat race to a place of peace, calm and relaxation. While there are several local and regional pilgrimage initiatives, there is nothing at an interregional level. That is why this programme has such enormous potential.

One of the key goals of the project is to network existing and new pilgrimage initiatives. One important point in this context is to ensure that spiritual and tourist-related aspects both be considered and equally represented.

There will be an expansion of the cross-border pilgrimage network running from Celldömölk to Mariazell via Kőszeg, a path which is identical to the route of the Marienweg pilgrimage. A northern route runs from Frauenkirchen to the Mariazellerweg trail, taking pilgrims through Seewinkel, along the southern bank of Lake Neusiedler and across the Ödenburg Mountains on the way. In the south, the trail goes from Celldömölk through Vasvár, Körmend, Güssing and over the Oststeiermark to Mariazell.

There is a focus both on organisational development and on the improvement of the pilgrimage routes (especially closing gaps in the existing network and the instituting of guidance systems). In addition, tourist and spiritual packages should be developed (focussing on the packages themselves and the training of guides) and tourist marketing should be improved.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Coordination and networking


• Defining, creating and maintaining pilgrimage routes


• Package and product development


• Marketing and addressing relevant target groups in the AT, HU and DE markets

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Key Information

Summary

The aim of this project is to foster the creation by SMEs of new products and services in the field of thermal baths. In Styria, businesses are flourishing in this sector, and the neighboring West Pannonia area of influence is marked by the presence of a thermal bath cluster.

In order to meet rising quality requirements towards not only thermal baths but also their wider environment, PROthermae aims at giving a durable impetus to tourism businesses in the Austrian-Hungarian border region.

A clear positioning on the specific regional water-wellness market with a focus on e.g. health care, spa, and beauty will be achieved thanks to the bilateral platform “Think Pools” for creativity in the field of water as well as the professionalization of SME operating in the tourism and other relevant sectors.

Having set business profitability as a priority, PROthermae seeks to foster new ideas and concepts which can then implemented through pilot activities and, if successful, finally adopted by tourism and thermal bath networks. Through the so-called “help for self-help” concept, the internal competitiveness and innovation know-how of at least 60 tourism and tourism-related enterprises (accommodation, gastronomy, commerce, crafts, agriculture etc.) will be increased.

Moreover, companies taking part in PROthermae will be able to identify three fields of activity with the greatest development potential and benefit from consulting services. In the framework of three pilot activities, PROthermae project partners will also intensively assist actors in launching new products and services on the market. The objective is to increase in this way the overall quality of services in the cross-border value-added chain of Thermal baths but also to launch at least three innovative products on the market in the programme area.

The project also aims at taping the potential of a well-positioned water industry and developing a long-term and fruitful cross-border cooperation among actors from both sides of the border.

The implementation of the project will take place through the following steps:

• project management;


• information and communication;


• potential survey in the targeted area;


• impetus in the targeted area;

Key Information

Summary

Close to the Austro-Hungarian border, Wiener Neustadt is home to the central European ionic radiation facility MedAustron, a facility for the provision of therapy to tumour patients and for both clinical and non-clinical research. In order to take full advantage of the regional benefits of this high-tech medical facility, the Austro-Hungarian project RegIonCo has been launched to further develop and intensify the co-operation between Austria and Hungary in this respect.

By increasing cross-border co-operation, harmoniyed, long-term networks are to be formed around RegIonCo. The project involves five partner institutions from Austria and five from Hungary.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Seeking potential users for scientific and research-related co-operation and information


• Implementing a transnational imaging and radiation data management system including the related infrastructure to enable electronic connectivity between individual treatment centres in Austria and Hungary


• Logistical patient dispatch requirements on both sides of the border


• Providing information to regional businesses and to the public

Key Information

Summary

The project area is surrounded and criss-crossed by administrative borders (Austrian-Hungarian border, internal state borders and 3 county-regional borders) and geographical divisions. The positive economic development of these regions can only be achieved on the basis of small and medium-sized companies. This also leads to a development of business relationships, improving the economic dynamics.
The functional company network model is to be developed and detailed based on the experience, know-how, special characteristics and requirements of the individual small regions. Cross-border company networking should be a key focus of the project.

Companies are networked, new partnerships are supported and developed using information events, awareness raising measures and co-operation workshops. To these ends, joint working groups and workshops, small region research, interviews with regional SMEs and decision-makers as well as study trips and exchange trading using existing models and examples have been planned. One example of a small region project in the region of Joglland is the development of a "Joglland Voucher" which has been sold over 25,000 times, creating and binding value creation to the region. Furthermore, trans-regional business contact trade fairs and study trips have been organised.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Development of multi-industry business networks in 13 small regions
• Execution of more than 300 bilaterally-planned regional economic activities
• Development of a bilateral platform incorporating all 13 small region-based business networks
• Execution of at least 20 common networking activities and events
• Development of examples of regional business networking best-practices

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Key Information

Summary

Shopping, that is to say personal activities, generates about 30% of trips and thus represents the main source of traffic. For border regions, shopping is even by far the main source of traffic. Moreover, the share of environmentally-friendly means of transportation for shopping trips, which is already generally lower than the one for business trips, tends to decrease in border regions. This can be unfortunately observed on interregional transportation axes connecting large shopping centers, but also on road networks connecting local suppliers. This is the reason why the demographic and economic transition calls for new solutions ensuring a sustainable mobility – connecting in particular nodes of local supply - and creating a virtuous circle between a revised transportation mix and local suppliers.

The current state of knowledge about factors influencing mobility decisions and population needs in regard to shopping mobility in border areas alone does not enable to develop eco-friendly and socially sustainable solutions.

The goals of the project are:

• to close knowledge gaps concerning shopping mobility needs and decisions;
• to elaborate concrete recommendations in order to increase the use of environmentally friendly means of transportation for shopping trips;
• to elaborate concrete recommendations to ensure local supply in peripheral areas;
• to develop, on an exploratory basis, a new transportation mix for shopping trips giving priority to environmentally friendly means of transportation while ensuring local supply  (AT:  e.g. micro public transport systems taking into account other funding opportunities such as those of the KLEIN; HU: e.g. Falubusz systems) in cooperation with local/regional actors; 

Following tasks will be implemented in the framework of the project:

• analysis of mobility decisions related to shopping trips at the macro-regional level;
• analysis of mobility decisions related to shopping trips on smaller transportation networks connecting local suppliers;
• development of recommendations;
• development of pilot projects.

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Key Information

Summary

Before the commencement of the project, the storm warning system at Lake Neusiedler comprised nine locations and a central control unit at the Eisenstadt state police headquarters. The control unit and the transmission technology have both been modernised in recent years and there has been a move to digital transmission. All nine stations were located in Austria. The Hungarian part of Lake Neusiedler was not covered. However, the signal lights which were in place did not meet current safety requirements due to their poor luminosity and their high failure rate.

The project is aimed at creating a modern storm warning system which complies with international standards and that will secure maximum levels of safety for the users of Lake Neusiedler and support cross-border tourism. The new warning system will warn swimmers, boat users and surfers of poor weather and can be used when looking for missing persons.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Renewal of warning lights
• Construction of two additional stations
• Modernising the control boxes to bring them up to date

Key Information

Summary

The majority of family enterprises established in the 1990s in Hungary were led by the then 30 or 40-year-old owners or managers, people in their prime time. These business owners have reached or are reaching retirement age by now. This new situation made many people recognise the need for training and experience exchange. In Austria inheriting and continuing a business is not a new phenomenon, there are several enterprises that have been operating for several generations, in stark contrast with the Hungarian situation. Most business owners/entrepreneurs would like their business to remain the property of the family and they envision their business to continue as a family-owned enterprise. In this project we provide opportunity to learn about solutions for problems related to inheriting a family business, and the best practices can also be examined.

The project’s objectives are to offer assistance in making the ownership or leadership change at family businesses in the Austrian-Hungarian border region smoother and for the preparation of multi-generational enterprises for the handover to the next generation, thus ensuring sustainable operation for the enterprise even after changes in ownership and/or leadership. With these viewpoints in mind we wish to improve the competitiveness of small enterprises and their exchange of experience on generational transition and the sustainable development of enterprises in the regions along the borders: in Gyõr-Moson-Sopron, Vas and Zala counties; in Burgenland and Styria – in Hungary and Austria respectively. Through the training and the experience exchange they receive in the project, the younger generation of owners can prepare to lead the enterprise and to adequately tackle arising problems. It could improve the sustainability of a small family enterprise if the future leader carries out his/her training and later works in his/her profession in the enterprise as this way the descendant becomes acquainted with company’s internal relations and business culture.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Market research: in the first phase 80 family enterprises are selected. Continuous mentoring and personal counselling is provided for the 40-40 selected people. In the second phase the partners appoint 4 enterprises where business coaching is monitored
• Preparation of training materials
• Working out case studies
• Trainings, workshops: 1. To ascertain whether experience be transferred 2. How to recognise and nurture talent 3. Network citizens 4. Improve decision-making through business coaching 5. Experience-based innovation 6. Business planning
• Family business coaching processes: Manual for family businesses preparing for a generational leadership change

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Key Information

Summary

Any family could face the dilemma whether to care for an elderly relative at home or to use the services of a social institution. Caring for a needy family member might be an excessive burden for some, because it results in a change of the everyday routine, it is time-consuming and costly. Therefore, there is an immense need for home assistance and countryside self-organised groups.

Like in the Oberwart region ageing population is a characteristic of the Zalaegerszeg and Õrség region, too. As far as physical, mental and emotional assistance to elderly and sick people are concerned the need is huge. Relatives face an emotional burden when they choose how to care for their elderly, sick relative. For them it is a dilemma to decide whether they should care for the elderly at home, give up their everyday routine, quit their jobs or to place the relative(s) in a social care institute. Home care has become more prevalent in the three regions and there is an increasing demand for home care and services provided by countryside self-organised groups. In two regions there is a lack of social workers and hospice-type activities are non-existent. In the Austrian region there is a lack of social workers and nurses. The situation must be surveyed, the functioning structures and possibilities must be identified, and consequently the situation must be improved on both sides of the border through training and network development.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Social workers training for 40 Austrian hospice experts and hospice experts training for 40 Hungarian social workers
• Nurse training
• Sign language training
• Motivational training and supervision
• Developing training materials and course books
• Conducting a comparative study, collection of good practices in Hungary and Austria

Key Information

Summary

Over the last few years, tourism has undergone some very positive growth in West Hungary and in Burgenland. However, even though there has been co-operation in some of these areas, a coordinated, common approach to the initiatives in the entire West Hungary-Burgenland region is required. A common development of initiatives and a common marketing strategy would add value to tourism in the entire region, opening up new markets and making businesses in the area more competitive at an international level.

The main goal of the programme is to work together to develop tourism in the West Hungary-Burgenland region and to increase cross-border tourism co-operation at a tourism organisation and business level - in short, the development of a cross-border tourism network.
To achieve this, tourism institutions and tourism businesses in both regions need to start working closer together and initiatives and services should be better coordinated to create common tourism offers and packages.
By providing tourism quality assurance and by developing innovative offers, we can give birth to a new, common tourism region, increasing the region's competitivity and opening up new markets and attracting target groups.

As part of the project, the following tasks will be carried out:

• Systematic collection of information existing tourist offers in the border region
• Preparing a potential analysis
• Partnership-based awareness raising among businesses and institutes
• Development of general offers and product development
• Marketing offers
• Increasing quality of offers

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