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 implications of ongoing discussions for proposals to facilitate better coordination of research and innovation support at local level post-2013 at a Forum of the Committee of the Regions. The Forum, to be held December 13, 2011 in Brussels 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