Exploring InnoRenew CoE in Slovenia: Lessons and Insights for Developing Research Institutions

In October 2024, representatives from SustAInLivWork visited the InnoRenew CoE in Izola, Slovenia, to gain valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by independent research institutions, and to exchange expertise and experiences.

InnoRenew CoE is the largest European research and innovation initiative in Slovenia, established in late 2016 when the University of Primorska, in collaboration with project partners, secured funding to create a research institute focused on renewable materials and healthy built environments. Officially inaugurated on February 15, 2017, the center has since expanded its activities, driven by the ongoing collaboration with project partners and key stakeholders.

Today, InnoRenew CoE operates as an independent research institute, specializing in renewable materials and sustainable building practices. Its primary focus is on innovative wood-based solutions, with the goal of translating scientific knowledge into practical industrial applications.

The center offers a wide range of services, from fundamental and applied research to industry-focused training. It also assists companies in integrating research, development, and innovation (RDI) into their business strategies, while helping them develop modern business models.

InnoRenew CoE has built an international, interdisciplinary team of scientists and professionals who provide independent consultancy, collaborate on projects, and engage in the center’s Living Lab initiative.

Given the similarities between InnoRenew CoE and SustAInLivWork CoE in terms of institutional models, operational principles, and project goals, this visit was highly valuable. Our Slovenian colleagues shared comprehensive insights, case studies, and experiences, offering not only their success stories but also an open discussion about the challenges they faced. These challenges included navigating state aid regulations, ensuring long-term financial sustainability, and gaining recognition from established institutions and national research funding agencies.

Dr. Agnė Paulauskaitė-Tarasevičienė, a professor at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), noted that InnoRenew’s innovative research on renewable materials and sustainable buildings – particularly its pioneering work with wood – presents exciting opportunities for collaboration: “Together, we explored potential synergies to create smarter, more sustainable solutions for the future of living and working.”

We look forward to the possibilities of working together toward a more sustainable future!