The session follows up on the previous session (13 October, 14:30 - 16:00) dedicated to the political launch of the Knowledge Exchange Platform in its advanced version 2.0. It will discuss the concrete function of regions and cities in the European Research Area context, and in particular the key role they can play in translating R&I results into the economy (one of the four drivers of the new ERA). The session will present concrete examples of local and regional policies and initiatives from all over Europe on sustainable innovation and ways of engaging local actors in their design. It will also highlight the need for more interconnection of innovation ecosystems across Europe and its role in helping us advance Europe together.

Draft agenda

16:30    Keynote speech conclusions from the previous session

Anne Karjalainen, Chair of the SEDEC Commission, European Committee of the Regions

16:45   Translating R&I results into the economy in a new ERA:  The Role of regions and cities and interconnected Innovation Ecosystems                             

Jean-David Malo, Director, European Innovation Council Task Force, European Commission, DG Research and Innovation

17:00   Impulse statements by a panel of regional and local actors and discussion, moderated by Magda de Carli, Head of Unit, European Commission, DG Research and Innovation, ERA & Country Intelligence

Panel members will present case studies, with illustrative examples of:

• Connecting knowledge across Europe: Dr Ralf-Martin Soe (Smart Cities Centre of Excellence, joint project between Tallinn University of Technology and Aalto University)
• Connecting regional innovation ecosystems: Mikel Irujo Amezaga (European Committee of the Regions)
• Role of regional and local actors in the renewed ERA: Pirita Lindholm (ERRIN)
• Interregional value chains: Monika Zsigri (Deputy Head of Unit, European Commission, DG Regional and Urban Policy)

17:50     Key conclusions and the way forward

Anna Panagopoulou, Director, European Commission, DG Research and Innovation

Deadline for registration is 27th of September. Registration and more information here. General information about the session can be found here.