There is a high potential for transnational cooperation in central Europe to promote the bottom-up implementation of smart specialisation strategies (RIS3). But much of it remains unexploited. The S3HubsinCE project unleashes this potential by generating new transnational support structures. These will be based on connected “Digital Innovation Hubs” (DIH), creating stronger links between relevant stakeholders in the key technology priority areas, including advanced manufacturing and materials, ICT, nanotech, as well as biotech and medical devices.