The development of innovations can take a long time. Therefore, there need to be environments where researchers and entrepreneurs have the opportunity to explore new areas for additive manufacturing and rapid digital prototype development of physical objects (e.g., 3D printing, laser intrusion machines, laser cutters and electro plating) as well as digital development (software development, digital platforms and data mining and sensor-based networking solutions). Through interviews by regional actors, and studies of how similar examples work abroad, a collaborative model and potential value chains for applied research can be created. At the end of the preliminary study, the collected material will form the basis for further developing the regional ecosystem of prototyping, challenge-driven innovation and applied research.