As the HALRIC project enters its final phase, the team behind Work Package 4.2 is finalising a paper on how to strengthen the region as a life science innovation hub.
The paper outlines strategic recommendations for enhancing cooperation and building a transnational regional innovation ecosystem across the Øresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak-Hamburg region. To ensure broad input, partner meetings were held in July, and the final version of the paper is set to be disseminated in Brussels in late 2025.
Paving the way for long-term collaboration
In parallel, HALRIC partners met in Hamburg to discuss their vision for the consortium’s future, which will inform the development of an official document (e.g. letter of intent) to help secure the longevity of the consortium after March 2026. This would mark a significant step towards institutionalising cross-border life science collaboration in the region.
Visibility and engagement across key platforms
Recent months have also seen strong external engagement. HALRIC was presented at a workshop on cross-border innovation projects during the Fehmarn Belt Days (picture) in June 2025 in Lübeck, Germany. The project also had a presence at Denmark’s national democracy festival, Folkemødet in July 2025, strengthening public and political visibility.
The cooperation between the Science Cities of Copenhagen, Lund, and Hamburg continues to evolve. Following productive virtual exchanges, the first in-person meeting between representatives from all three cities is tentatively planned for autumn 2025, laying the foundation for more strategic alignment.
Upcoming highlight: HALRIC at the STRING political forum
A key opportunity to gain wide political recognition will come in October 2025 at the STRING Political Forum, taking place in Brussels. HALRIC has been invited to present to political leaders and civil servants from all 16 STRING member regions. This forum is expected to serve as a crucial milestone in anchoring HALRIC within broader regional development agendas.
Get involved
The final paper offering concrete recommendations for building a transnational innovation hub in the HALRIC region will be published in late 2025.
HALRIC partners interested in contributing to the vision document or future collaboration models are encouraged to contact Sarah Marshall-Bensch at sarah.marshall-bensch@bwfgb.hamburg.de.