Innovative light sources (ILS’s) are one of the most powerful tools for exploring the inner properties of matter. Knowledge about these properties allows novel applications in a large variety in scientific and technological fields. Centres hosting ILS’s are crossroads between fundamental science, state-of-the-art technology, high-level education and training, and business sectors. Therefore, they provide a formidable environment for human capital development. In central Europe one can notice that not all regions are currently taking full advantage of this great potential. CENILS sets out to bring closer the research and industrial applications relying on ILS’s and to exploit this knowledge for fostering human capital. Achievements: In the first phase of the project, a "mapping" of Central Europe was made in order to pinpoint the possible Ils and subjects that could be engaged on various levels, including the scientific sector(universities, laboratories), companies and policy makers at the European level. "There are many difficulties in Central Europe, but there are also numerous laboratories, a number of actively involved enterprises, and a plethora of universities, students and professors ready to work with us", De Ninno pointed out, adding that the region "is growing very rapidly and very well", and that, for certain aspects, it is easier to operate in Central Europe than in some other, more developed, contexts. During the second part of the project, a selected group of relevant actors from Central Europe will participate in two practical experiments - the first, taking place at Elettra Sincrotrone, will deal with the characterization of Ils, while the second, to be held at the University of Nova Gorica, will deal with the analysis of solar cells. (ANSA). The Project count with several study visits as well as workshops, which started in April 2014. The first workshop was held in Trieste and were invited people among researches, policy makers, scientists, students, representatives of SMEs in order to discuss on -Development and use of innovative light sources and the role of research -Cooperation between public and private sector in the field of research and innovation -Projects in the field of research and innovation: guidelines for european funds