Governance is increasingly recognised as a crucial factor for effective policies. The aim of this event is to present current developments in impact assessment and benchmarking tools that could be applied in the innovation policy-making of European regions, and show practical examples of successful applications.

The realisation of any common goal requires appropriate decision-making to coordinate multiple efforts. A very important ingredient of governance is knowledge of the actual situation in the region in order to set the long-term strategic objectives, choose appropriate actions and undertake necessary corrections. A pilot action launched by the European Commission in March 2004 has resulted in eight pilot projects developing new methods for innovation policy impact assessment and benchmarking, which is of interest to all European regions. The tools developed have a great potential to improve policy-making processes and the adaptation of regional research and innovation policies to upcoming needs and opportunities in the regions.

The conference "Impact assessment for better governance of regional innovation policies" is organised by the IRE Secretariat in collaboration with the Basque Government and Fundación Labein.
Participants will discuss how the new tools developed by the impact assessment and benchmarking projects can be applied in the regions, and what should be next steps at European level for the development of an 'impact assessment culture', so that it becomes an integrated part of regional innovation policy.

Registrations should be sent to the IRE Secretariat before January 14, 2008.

Source:
IRC-Net