Videos

Smart Specialisation and Climate Adaptation: Martin Eichler on Place-Based Innovation Strategies

In this interview, Martin Eichler explains how smart specialisation can support climate adaptation by helping regions develop strategies that are tailored to their specific economic, social, and environmental conditions. He describes smart specialisation as an innovation policy approach that enables structural change, strengthens regional competitiveness, and supports regions in moving towards more resilient and productive futures.

Martin also highlights why this approach is highly relevant for climate adaptation. Since adaptation requires transformation not only in the economy, but also in society, combining smart specialisation with climate policy can help regions identify practical, place-based solutions. Through TiCCA4DANU, this methodology is being applied in close cooperation with cities, regions, and local stakeholders to co-create adaptation strategies that reflect local challenges, capacities, and resources — and that can be realistically implemented in practice.

Miha Škrokov explains why stronger private sector involvement is essential for climate adaptation, from helping industries respond to growing climate risks to supporting more resilient food systems. He also highlights the need for greater private financing, especially from banks and investors, to help move adaptation solutions from publicly funded projects into long-term implementation.

Mariann Andorkó on Climate Adaptation in Debrecen | TiCCA4DANU

In this interview, Mariann Andorkó shares the Pilot City Perspective from Debrecen as one of the four pilot cities/regions in TiCCA4DANU – Transformative Innovation & Climate Change Adaptation for the Danube Region.

Recorded during the TiCCA4DANU General Assembly on 26–27 June 2025 at the University of Vienna, this conversation highlights the importance of expert support, peer learning, and cross-city collaboration in addressing climate adaptation challenges.

Mariann explains why Debrecen joined the project, how the city is working to improve its response to climate change, and why this exchange with partners is so valuable for identifying knowledge gaps, building on existing strengths, and creating new cooperation opportunities. She also reflects on the importance of learning not only from international peers, but also from inspiring examples within Hungary, such as Szombathely.

Transformative Innovation for Climate Adaptation in the Danube Region – the TiCCA4DANU Journey

In this interview, Tanja Senekovic shares the Pilot City Perspective from Podravje-Maribor as one of the four pilot regions in TiCCA4DANU – Transformative Innovation & Climate Change Adaptation for the Danube Region.

Recorded at the Synergy Workshop in Caserta (27–28 November 2025), this video highlights a key milestone for Local Green Deals within the TiCCA4DANU project, bringing together the four anchor cities to align progress and next steps.