(Peripheral cities with low population density, historically dependent on agriculture or traditional manufacturing, struggling with economic transformation.)
Local and Regional Policies
Industrial Transition Startups: Provide grants and mentoring for startups tackling smart manufacturing, green energy, circular economy, and IT-based logistics.
Tech & Innovation Parks: Convert abandoned industrial sites into innovation zones, offering tax incentives to startups setting up there.
Cluster-Based Incubation: Develop regional startup clusters linked to the main industries of the region (e.g., textile innovation, sustainable packaging, local bioeconomy).
University Policies
Strategic Business Partnerships: Universities should partner with businesses to co-create applied research projects.
Entrepreneurial Degree Tracks: Allow students to replace traditional theses with business development projects.
Joint Training with SMEs: Encourage shared training programs where students gain hands-on experience in SME-led innovation projects.
Concrete Incentives
Prototype Development Grants: Provide small grants (e.g., €3,000–€10,000) for student startups creating new industrial solutions.
Low-Cost Business Space in Industrial Areas: Offer rent-free spaces in converted industrial buildings.
Industry-Sponsored Startup Challenges: Organize entrepreneurship competitions where winning ideas receive funding & mentorship from regional firms.
