The CONFERENCE will bring together about 200 science policymakers, scientists and industry representatives from the Western Balkan and EU member states. While the core focus of the conference will be primarily on Horizon 2020 and thus the collaboration in science between WBC and EU member states under the new Programme, information on other on-going/up-coming activities in WBC in particular focusing innovation issues will be exchanged.

In line with the aims of the conference – Towards 2020, WBC-INCO.NET intends not only to present and discuss own results, but also

• To debate on results and lessons learned within other RTDI initiatives in/with the region within different panels and parallel sessions. So for example FORSEE is co-organizer of the parallel session on Information and Communication Technologies, C-Energy+ Network is co-organiser of the session focusing Energy research etc. – see the conference programme here.
• To offer the opportunity to young researchers, diaspora researchers but also to innovation experts to share their research results along the axis achievements, challenges and way forward (see the Call for papers)
• To offer the opportunity to different initiatives to showcase their own results during the 2-day Project exhibition (see the Call for Projects for Exhibition)
• To offer the opportunity to meet potential collaboration partners in individually planned B2B meetings and share new project ideas or own innovation products/services or to discuss more in detail participation in one of the upcoming Horizon 2020 Calls (click here for more details about the Brokerage Event).
• To offer even more practical information and assistance on different aspects of participation in Horizon 2020, a number of NCPs is invited to join the Conference and in particular the Brokerage event (see the Call for NCPs to join).

After the brokerage event, a cocktail dinner will be organised at the Sky Stage of the Tech Gate, from 19.00 to 21.30 for all conference participants. The dinner will be an opportunity for deepening previously started discussions and network with relevant stakeholders, in a very pleasant atmosphere as the Sky Stage offers an impressive view of Vienna.

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Please find further information at the conference website: http://towards2020.wbc-inco.net/

Registration is open: http://www.b2match.eu/wbc-inco-net

Meeting selection (Brokerage event): March 7-23, 2014 (when registered, you will be informed by email when you can start booking bilateral meetings.)

Please note: The earlier you submit your collaboration profile the more it will be recognized.