The WIRE III conference, supported by the EU’s 7th Framework Programme for research and technological development (FP7), and organised by the Polish National Contact Point for Research Programmes of the European Union, brought together nearly 500 stakeholders from European Member States and FP7 Associated countries. The conference took place at a key moment in the development of EU research and innovation policy as it addressed many issues that are important for the effective implementation of Innovation Union at regional level and for policies and actions in the next programming period 2014-2020.

This conference was indeed among the fi rst to take place after the European Commission presented its proposals for the future programmes on research and innovation (Horizon 2020) and Cohesion Policy. The three main topics of WIRE III were Smart Specialisation strategies and processes, the concept of the “stairway to excellence” to build stronger synergies between Horizon 2020 and Cohesion Policy; and, networking in favour of a strong European Research Area at regional level. WIRE III has provided excellent opportunities for indepth discussion, creative exchanges and mutual learning.

Lessons learnt from FP7, success stories from current projects and prospects for the future of research and innovation have been extensively discussed during the conference.

WIRE III has proved to be a very fruitful forum on future policy priorities for regional innovation. The ideas contained in these proceedings will be very useful for everybody involved in making Europe’s regions powerhouses of innovation.

Source: Foreword of Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn (WIRE 2012 publication)

Please find below also the WIRE 2012 publication. Presentations, Videos and Photos as well as further information is available here: WIRE 2012