Enhancing Industrial Inspiration and Resilience
Regional EXPO Lab
Providing the grounds for successful interaction between creatives and tech companies
Overview
What has been done
As part of a local event, the “Living Lab” project was implemented in the form of a regional trade fair that brought together companies, experts, and stakeholders from various sectors. The afternoon program was dedicated to a presentation and networking session, where regional companies showcased their innovations. The session began with a case study of collaboration between a small startup and an international company, highlighting the importance of effective communication, creativity, and teamwork. The event enabled participants to establish contacts, explore partnership opportunities, and exchange practical experiences, thereby fostering cross-sectoral cooperation within the region and enhancing their competences.
Why was it needed locally
The local ecosystem lacks structured opportunities for meaningful cross-sectoral collaboration, particularly between small, innovative creative businesses and established manufacturing companies. Many SMEs and startups face barriers to accessing partnerships, sharing know-how, and integrating into wider value chains. The pilot aimed to bridge this gap by creating a practical platform for direct interaction, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.
Target Groups: How were they activated and their benefits
Industrial / technological SME – Industrial and technological SMEs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises in the Karlovy Vary Region, operating in manufacturing, engineering, and innovation-driven sectors.
Activation: Since these were members of the Chamber of Commerce, standard communication channels were used—newsletters and direct mailings, social media campaign and direct telephone outreach.
Benefit: The target group benefited from direct access to new contacts, potential business partners, and cross-sector collaboration opportunities. SMEs gained visibility for their innovative solutions and were able to present their capabilities to a wider audience. Participants also benefited from sharing experiences and gaining inspiration through the pane
Creative SME – Creative (solo) local entrepreneurs working in various fields.
Activation: Participants in the Rozjeď byznys program (Start Your Business) and entities included in the gallery of creatives from the Karlovy Vary region were approached via direct mailing, social media campaign and direct telephone outreach.
Benefit: This event explored the potential of informal face-to-face meetings combined with company presentations as an effective means of establishing business contacts, building trust, and sharing experiences among regional subjects. The perspectives of both collaborating parties fostered a mutual understanding of the business and creative environments.
– Regional Innovation Center of the Karlovy Vary Region, INION Center, Regional Chamber of Commerce of the Karlovy Vary Region
Activation: Reaching out through the existing regional cooperation network.
Benefit: Direct contact with regional companies and creatives, mapping their needs to set up appropriate support tools (advice, vouchers, activities, spaces, incentives) for the development of innovations, potential for cooperation with the research sector.
Resources Required
Staff
Employee with competences in the field of event preparation (public events) - event content, technical support, budget management, marketing.
Space
Karlovy Vary, Plavirna Otovice, main hall + conference room
Equipment
Screen, laptop, transport, tables and chairs
Budget
Medium: 2-10,000 €
3800 € covering venue rental, moderation, promotion, catering, photography
Methods & Steps
Core Mechanism
Formats applied
Fair/exhibition:
An afternoon exhibition featuring major companies and creative professionals all in one place—booths, product displays, company information, presentations, and opportunities for face-to-face interaction. A way to introduce regional companies and regional brands that larger companies can use for their development without the need to negotiate contracts outside the Karlovy Vary region
Methods used: Networking: one-on-one meetings throughout the day and breaks for refreshmentspresentation: Various ways for companies and creative professionals to showcase their work, interactive elements, contests, an exhibition, and the opportunity to purchase products, as well as printed materials
Mentoring programme:
Sharing specific experiences from the collaboration between a multinational manufacturing company and a regional supplier of creative services. From establishing contact, through communication methods and needs assessment, to resolving problematic situations, mutual inspiration and learning, and finally the implementation of new solutions within an established company.
Methods used: Lecture: A free-form discussion between representatives of two organizations, moderated by a host, followed by a Q&A session with the audienceSteps taken
Preparation
3 month
- Partner Selection: EPT connector (SME), Matěj Smutný (creative small business)
- Inviting participants: Chamber members and regional creatives (from the database)
- Event organization : Practical planning, including venue selection, catering, a moderator, and photo documentation
- Communication : Registration form, direct email campaigns, social media posts, newsletters, and contacting participants; event evaluation
Event Organization
1 day
- Opening and Welcome : a welcome coffee break with a brief overview of the event program
- Presentation : Sharing experiences from collaboration between a multinational company and regional creative company
- Exhibition : Presenting your business to event attendees
- Networking: Informal networking during breaks and lunch, made easier with name tags
After the event
1 month
- Communication: Sending a thank-you email, sharing results, and publishing a recap on social media
- Evaluation: Collecting feedback from participants to assess impact and improve future editions
Results
Measurable and Direct Outcomes
The local action brought about the following concrete results:
- Improved transversal skills: This event facilitated collaboration between creative professionals and companies, as well as among creators themselves across various fields (marketing, services). Strengthening the local network among participants (creatives - companies).
- New / enhanced cooperation: Following a face-to-face meeting, a partnership was established based on an understanding of needs and the identification of opportunities.
- Stakeholder awareness / network extensions: The companies and creators introduced themselves to one another and presented their products and services, which increased awareness of the regional market and its sectors.
Indirect Impacts
Visibility of the region (place branding): The event demonstrates that the region is active, innovative, and home to a vibrant business community.
PR benefits for companies and organisers: Companies gain publicity even if they do not secure an immediate business deal.
Connecting companies with institutions (chambers of commerce and public administration): This improves awareness of the needs of local businesses and strengthens cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Local Outlook / Follow-up
- Repetition of the event: The Regional Chamber of Commerce of the Karlovy Vary Region plans to offer this format again once a year. Participants expressed interest in attending the event even if it becomes fee-based.
- Best practice: The Regional Chamber of Commerce of the Karlovy Vary Region also anticipates integrating this format, as a best practice example, into the upcoming regional soft skill strategy.
Evaluation
Satisfaction - Overview
The participants' feedback was very positive both immediately after the event and when evaluating it later on. Sharing a concrete example of collaboration between a multinational company and regional creatives helped to spark discussion and break the ice at the event.
Satisfaction - Details
- First time and already a success.: The event was held for the first time in the region. The participation capacity of the event was reached within a short time of advertisement.
- Feedback and suggestions from the event : The feedback questionnaire (response rate: 32%) showed that more than 80% of participants were satisfied or very satisfied. There was a strong desire to repeat this event every year (even if it requires a financial contribution). A proposal for greater openness and public involvement.
- Key performance indicators: Number of participants.
Transfer Hints
- Activate your network: Use your network to reach out to potential event attendees well in advance.
Personal outreach helps motivate attendees and ensures strong participation and engagement. - Inspiring venue: Inspiring venue a well-accessible and suitably equipped venue for the even. Good catering services and a pleasant environment contribute significantly to the overall experience and engagement.
- Suitable partners: Identify suitable partners and participants for the event from various fields according to its focus, e.g. support organizations for supporting entrepreneurs for the purpose of wider impact and relevant entrepreneurs.
- Sharing a story: Sharing a specific story of cooperation from the region will create a positive atmosphere at the event.
- Additional activities: Include other engaging activities in the event, such as hands-on workshops or field trips to interesting locations or companies.
- action size: The event can have different sizes in terms of the number of participants, e.g. according to the capacity of the venue
- breaking down obstacles: To set a positive atmosphere, various interesting speakers with ties to the region or with an interesting business story can be included at the beginning.
- venue : Unsuitable spaces in terms of size or accessibility can negatively affect participant engagement.
- preparation: Lack of time for sufficient promotion and preparation of the event itself.
Participant Testimonials & Impressions
Impressions
📹 Video Documentation
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Access the complete implementation guide and connect with the team
Contact: Barbora Volfova
Phone: +420608887078
Email: volfova@khkkk.cz
Need more information?
Project manager:
Franziska Görmar
IfL - Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography, Germany
Email
This project is supported by the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund.
Find more information about the x-Inno Radar project on the Interreg CE projectwebsite.
x-Inno Radar is a project of: 
Creative Region Linz & Upper Austria Gmbh, 
The Regional Chamber of Commerce of the Karlovy Vary Region, 
Padova Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Crafts and Agriculture, 
Creative Industry Košice, n. o., 
BSC, Business support centre, ltd., Kranj, 
Regional Development Agency in Bielsko-Biała, 
Stebo Competence Centre Community Developmentm, 
Association of Cultural and Creative Industries Chemnitz and Region (Creative Chemnitz), Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography – Germany, Otelo Cooperative