This conference underlines the importance of evidence informed policy-making – notably for an efficient allocation of resources – embodied in the strategic concept, methodology and application of "smart specialisation", an approach extensively applied in the EU's regional and cohesion policies. In addition, knowledge and technology transfer have been recognised as proven enabling operational tools for boosting local and regional economic and social impact.

Participants

The event expects to bring together innovation practitioners and regional stakeholders from EU member states and South-east Europe countries, including the Western Balkans. Participants are likely to include: research and innovation policy-makers, scientists, businesses, regional authorities as well as representatives of academia and technology transfer offices.

Up to 250 participants are expected. Selected participants from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, may request reimbursement of the travel and accommodation costs. Selection for reimbursement will be based on reason for submission, interest for participation, organisation, position in the organisation and appropriate geographical balance.

*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence.

Programme

The first part of the conference will set the scene and present the innovation landscape in Europe. Following this, participants will engage in a debate on good practices and key success factors.These debates aim to inspire countries, regions and stakeholders willing to reap the potential of smart specialisation, technology transfer and digital economy.

Draft programme

Registration

Please register your interest as soon as possible at this link. For those participants from Western Balkan states (listed above) wishing to apply for reimbursement, please register at the latest by 2^nd April 2018. You will then be informed as quickly as possible whether you are selected.