The TAB Project Final Conference Is Behind Us!

The final conference of the TAB project took place on 3–4 July 2026 in Wismar and summarised the results of cooperation between project partners from the South Baltic Region. The programme focused on four main areas of the project: management and communication, citizen dialogue, business acceleration, and the development of cross-border innovation hubs.

One key topic was the role of citizen dialogue in innovation processes. The partners showed how interviews with residents, participatory mapping, and AI-supported analysis can identify local needs and turn them into practical solutions. The outcomes included interactive experiences that combine augmented reality with Wismar’s cultural heritage.

The session dedicated to business acceleration and the creative industries highlighted the importance of cooperation between entrepreneurs, the technology sector, and creative professionals. The session also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in music, video, and digital content production, as well as the need for continuous skills development through workshops, mentoring, and knowledge exchange.

Another key outcome was the presentation of the Cross-Border Innovation Hub concept as a cooperation network connecting businesses, creative industries, academia, and public institutions across national borders. The partners signed Letters of Intent, confirming their willingness to continue cooperation after the formal completion of the project.

An important part of the programme was a keynote speech by Christiane Varga, who addressed the impact of AI, societal change, and the growing complexity of the world on the future of design. She emphasised the importance of interdisciplinarity, participation, and viewing cities and regions as spaces for experimenting with new social and technological solutions.

The conference was accompanied by the SEDA Award Ceremony and the 3rd Citizen Dialogue Exhibition. The SEDA Award 2026 was presented to the “Rivopump” project by Mertcan Candan and Johanna Lehner. The exhibition showcased works and installations related to citizen participation, sustainability, cultural heritage, and new technologies, while also creating a space for networking and the exchange of experience.

On the second day, participants joined a guided walk through Wismar’s historic city centre, during which digital AR interventions were presented. These activities demonstrated the full process developed within the project: from conversations with residents and participatory mapping, through data analysis and artistic interpretation, to publicly accessible digital solutions embedded in the urban environment.

The main message of the conference was that sustainable innovation emerges from combining technology, creativity, entrepreneurship, and local knowledge. The TAB project created not only practical tools and solutions, but also a cooperation network intended to continue developing beyond the project’s formal end.

T.A.B - Innovation Hubs for Tech, Art and Business

Co-financed by the Interreg South Baltic Programme 2021–2027

Project partners: Blue Science Park (SE) · Karlskrona Municipality (SE) · Hyper Island (SE) · West Pomeranian ICT Cluster (PL) · Hochschule Wismar (DE) · Academy of Art Szczecin (PL) · Media Dizajń Association (PL) · Rietavas Tourism and Business Information Centre (LT) · Talent Garden Rainmaking (DK) until 2025