Table 3

Areas of intervention, concrete actions, and responsible actors in early-stage PFIN formation

Area of interventionConcrete actionsResponsible actors
Development of internal skills and competenciesDesign and deliver targeted training programs on sustainability, innovation management, and emerging technologies; support continuous professional development for employeesFirms; Training providers; Universities
Attraction and retention of qualified talentImplement incentives to attract skilled professionals; enhance the attractiveness of the region and local firms; promote mobility and cross-regional knowledge exchangePolicymakers; Regional authorities; Firms
Mitigation of path dependenceFacilitate exposure to new technologies and paradigms while valuing existing expertise; promote experimentation and learning through pilot projectsFirms; Research centres
Firm–user alignment around sustainabilityEngage citizens and users through awareness campaigns, co-creation activities, and dialogue on sustainability-oriented innovationsFirms; Local communities; Civil society organisations
Strengthening firm–firm collaborationCreate networking opportunities, collaborative projects, and shared learning spaces to foster trust and knowledge exchange among firmsFirms; Industry associations
Strengthening firm–policymaker interactionEstablish regular dialogue between firms and policymakers; co-design policies and instruments aligned with firms' needsPolicymakers; Firms
Engagement of regional stakeholdersActively involve regional institutions, research centres, and intermediary organisations to support coordination and diffusion of sustainability knowledgeRegional authorities; Research centres; Intermediaries
Territorially embedded governanceEnsure decision-making centres are closely connected to the regional context; tailor strategies and instruments to local characteristicsPolicymakers; Regional authorities
Early-stage stakeholder alignmentOrganise preliminary focus groups and workshops to identify priorities, concerns, and shared goals before formal network establishmentPolicymakers; Potential network participants

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