Abstract:

Regional innovation depends on effective collaboration among firms, universities, intermediaries, and policymakers. Traditional profiling methods, however, rely on self-reported information that is often unreliable or outdated. This paper presents the profiling methodology developed in the Interreg Central Europe SYNERGY project (2017–2020), which characterizes innovation actors through verifiable project achievements rather than declarations. Based on exploratory research in additive manufacturing & 3D printing, micro- and nanotechnologies and Industry 4.0, the study identifies two key outputs: (1) project assessment criteria (e.g. technological domain, outputs, TRLs, consortium composition, competence keywords) and (2) actor profiling categories (organization type, specialization, competences, outputs, infrastructure, and location). These elements form a structured framework for evidence-based profiling. The approach provides a more credible, 360-degree view of innovation actors, enabling differentiation between active and passive participants and generating insights for policy and matchmaking. Although limited to formal R&D projects, it offers a foundation for further development and practical application.