Brussels, 13 December 2011
In the Europe 2020 strategy as well as in long-term policy programmes of regional and local authorities, great importance is given to research and innovation. The EU is currently putting this priority into an ambitious ‘Common Strategic Framework’ and its budget for 2014-2020, in which the increase for research and innovation is in the order of 46% when compared to the current budget. By December 2011, the European Commission will have adopted its legal proposals for the future EU funding of research and innovation, namely through the structural funds, and Horizon 2020 (the new Framework Programme for Research and Innovation and the new programme replacing the former CIP).
At the earliest possible date, and together with the relevant Directorates-General of the European Commission, the Committee of the Regions invites local, regional and national administrations, institutions, universities and development agencies to discuss the consequences these proposals will have for facilitating better coordination of research and innovation support at local level post-2013. The Forum will also present good practice of regional innovation programmes and projects operating under the current funding structures, showcasing how to match EU priorities and programmes with specific territorial challenges.
During the opening session the legislative package will be presented by European Commission, and discussed with regional stakeholders and external expert. Three parallel workshops will highlight how an integrated and long term innovation strategy, embedded in a broader policy context and in cooperation with the most relevant regional stakeholders, responds to specific needs of a territory. The first workshop will elaborate on the specific approach for "challenged" territories such as border regions or rural areas. The second workshop will demonstrate how SMEs can be involved structurally in a regional innovation strategy. The third workshop will showcase examples of regions that effectively broke a downward economic spiral by rethinking their innovation strategy. A final debate at the end of the Forum will bring the vision and perspectives of policy makers.
Before, during and after the conference there will be possibilities for virtual and real exchange and networking, namely through a networking lunch and at the conference exhibition.
