Smart Specialization Panels (SSP) – systematic, creative meetings of stakeholders associated with a specific smart specialization.

They are new structures created in accordance with the provisions of the RIS3 Strategy. They are an important element of continuing the process of Entrepreneurial Discovery as part of already existing smart specializations. The panels will include entrepreneurs, representatives of the R & D & I sector, business environment institutions, and other stakeholders interested in the development of areas defined as smart specializations. As part of the Panels, it is possible to create “Working Groups”, whose aim will be, for example, to develop potential project proposals / ventures. The substantive scope and the specification of tools supporting PIS are worked out during the project implementation. The financing of the conduct of the PPO process in the Podkarpackie voivodship is the own project of the Voivodship Self-Government called “Intelligent specializations – a tool for increasing innovation and competitiveness of the Podkarpackie voivodship” implemented under the Regional Operational Program of the Podkarpackie Voivodship
for the years 2014 – 2020. The project defines the objectives of the PPO in the region, ie:

• identification of business areas within which joint operation and implementation of innovative projects would be possible, including the search for synergies and opportunities for cooperation between regions;
• indication of potential sources of financing for the development of economic areas identified by the Panels – support from the national, regional and European level;
• identification of new R & D & I areas that have regional / inter-regional potential and can become a smart specialization;
• elaboration of potential project proposals that may be submitted, for example, in national and regional operational programs or apply for co-financing from other sources, including in particular those financed from EU funds;

and the factors that should ensure the process of the final success are indicated:

• identification of the leader (business) and moderator / animator / regional consultant for individual IS Panels;
• intensification of cooperation between the national and regional levels (sources of financing, actors involved, impact of results on developed PPO systems at the regional level);
• interregional knowledge transfer;
• elimination of barriers between stakeholders resulting from potential competition;
• development of a common, systematic methodology of works within the IS Panels;
• building trust of entrepreneurs and other stakeholders of the process.