To enrich the study and to encourage further involvement by the professional community in the exchange of ideas and visions related to cross-sectoral cooperation and innovation, a series of on-line Experts’ Focus Groups were convened. Each of them examined a specific aspect of CCI cross-innovation, namely connectivity, interaction with traditional industries; engagement with health, social welfare and well-being agendas; and gaming. These events brought together over 70 CCI and cross-innovation experts from the eleven Northern Dimension countries and a few from beyond with links to the region.

The discussions and ideas that emerged from these Experts’ Focus Group events also contributed to the creation of a Policy Brief related to each topic. It was intended that the Policy Briefs would help to advance current debate and contribute to the NDPC’s new Strategy 2021-2024 and its future actions and activities.

The project team would like to express sincere thanks to all the experts and specialists who have contributed to the project with their expertise, experience and time, both those who contributed to the mapping component and those who participated in the Expert Focus Groups.