All across Europe scientific institutions and innovative companies face the demands of a challenging new research framework: HORIZON 2020, the strategic EU programme for science and innovation strives to overcome the European crisis by boosting competitiveness through smart, inclusive and sustainable growth. Research and innovation are supported as key engines in European knowledge societies. In a joint effort, scientific institutions and innovation-oriented companies are expected to develop innovative products, to deliver jobs, to raise prosperity and to enhance the quality of life in cities, regions and nations. 

The new strategic focus is challenge- and impact-driven, compared to the topic-oriented preceding FP7. In addition to scientific innovation, proposals will have to meet European policy goals and foster critical dialogue on scientific, technological and innovation issues with all stakeholders, including policy makers and the public. This approach leads to a strong focus on the implementation of research and innovation within European societies – a step from “Science in Society” towards “Responsible Research and Innovation”.

Let us face this challenge together in a two-day European strategy workshop. Experts from the fields of science communication and EU funding programmes and strategies will give an understanding of the specific demands of HORIZON 2020. The focus of this workshop will be on how to maximise a project’s impact by designing an effective communication and dissemination strategy and by creating cross-disciplinary alliances with policy makers and stakeholders in a HORIZON 2020 project. With this workshop we address participants from scientific institutions, innovative small and medium sized companies as well as cities and regions who see science and innovation as driving forces in their socio-economic development strategies.

We are looking forward to meeting you in Berlin!