A strong network with a proven track record
The DTC Network has grown continuously since its foundation in 2012, becoming an increasingly influential platform for innovation, technology transfer and knowledge exchange in the Danube region.
2012
Foundation
The DTC Network started in 2012 as an initiative of Steinbeis Europa Zentrum as a coordinator of the Working Group – Innovation and Technology Transfer (WG I&TT) within the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) Priority Area 8 (PA8) “Competitiveness”, funded by the State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg. Its aim is to accelerate innovation and technology transfer and promote strategic partnerships across the Danube region.
2013-2021
Growth
From 2013 to 2021, the DTC Network evolved from a pilot initiative operating in four countries into an established transnational innovation and technology transfer network across the Danube Region. Through EU-funded projects such as NoGAP, Danube-INCO.NET, and Made in Danube, the network expanded its reach, established new DTCs, strengthened international cooperation, and implemented numerous activities to support SMEs, innovation, knowledge transfer, and regional capacity building.
2022
10th Anniversary
On 19th October 2022, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Danube Transfer Centres during the 11th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region in Košice, Slovakia.
Within the framework of the Danube Transfer Centres Network, new members were welcomed and existing partnerships were further strengthened. Representatives from the State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Skilled Crafts and Tourism Baden-Württemberg, the Danube Strategy Point, and the European Commission highlighted the network’s achievements over the past decade.
The event underscored the impact of the DTC Network in fostering innovation in the Danube Region and advancing numerous international cooperation projects.
2023
Danube Strategy Flagship
On 19th October 2022, Steinbeis Europa Zentrum celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Danube Transfer Centres during the 11th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region in Košice, Slovakia.
During the 12th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) in Brdo, Slovenia, on 24 October 2023, the Danube Transfer Centre (DTC) Network was officially awarded the Danube Strategy Flagship Certificate. The certificate was presented by Carmen Hawkins and Helia Kovačević Grčić on behalf of EUSDR Priority Area 8 “Competitiveness”, together with Cristina Cuc and Katharina Lenz from the Danube Strategy Point.
This recognition highlights the DTC Network’s significant contribution to innovation, technology transfer, and transnational cooperation across the Danube Region
Today
Today
Today, the DTC Network is a thriving innovation ecosystem and a leading platform for innovation, technology transfer and knowledge exchange across the Danube Region. By connecting businesses, research organisations, universities and public institutions, the network fosters collaboration, strengthens regional innovation ecosystems and transforms knowledge into sustainable economic and societal impact.
How the DTC network operates
The DTC Network is structured across network and country levels to ensure coordinated collaboration and effective knowledge exchange. While not legally binding, this flexible framework is designed to foster cooperation among all partners. At the network level, the structure comprises the DTC Network Coordinator and the DTC Board. At the country level, it includes DTC Entry Points, DTC Regional Hubs, and DTC Strategic Partners, ensuring strong regional anchoring and cross-border collaboration.
DTC Network Coordinator
The executive body organising activities of the overall network and supporting the further multiplication of DTCs in Danube region is Steinbeis Europa Zentrum.
The Steinbeis Europa Zentrum is an established innovation service provider with over three decades of experience in facilitating access to European research and innovation funding and supporting transnational technology transfer.
It provides strategic guidance to companies, research organisations, and public institutions in developing innovation capabilities, securing funding, and accessing international markets.
As part of European networks, it acts as a bridge between business, academia, and policy to strengthen cross-border collaboration and innovation ecosystems.
DTC Board
The DTC Board is a decision making body established from the representatives of the network who signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the DTC Network Coordinator.
From DTC Network Level to DTC Country Level
From the Danube Region to local impact. Connecting the Danube. Creating Impact.
Interactive DTC Network Map
Explore our regions, entrypoints and hubs.