This first edition of the Innovation Convention will be opened by President Barroso one year after the adoption of the Innovation Union flagship initiative, the EU's roadmap to turn Europe into a more innovation-friendly and competitive continent.

Research and innovation are the main motors for sustainable job creation and the only way to achieve a sustainable exit from the current economic crisis. This conference will bring together world leading experts in research and innovation to share their views on building a global innovation economy.

Speakers will include Don Tapscott, Chairman of Moxie Insight (Canada), and co-author of 'Macrowikinomics: Rebooting Business and the World', Eric Schmidt, Executive Chairman of Google (USA), Professor Brian Cox, particle physicist and well known BBC science broadcaster (UK), Claudie Haigneré, former astronaut and President of Universcience (FR), Professor Henry Chesbrough, Centre for Open Innovation (USA), Sam Pitroda, entrepreneur and advisor to the Prime Minister of India on innovation, Richard Dawkins, evolutionary biologist, former Professor of the Public Understanding of Science and author of several books, including ' The God Delusion' (UK), Silvia Venturini Fendi, fashion designer (IT) and Michael O'Leary, CEO, Ryanair (IE).

Programme - Overview

The Innovation Convention is all about interaction. Throughout the various debates, Master Classes, Round Tables, and lectures, exclusive key note speakers will stimulate a dialogue between participants. In the debates, global business leaders and well renowned academics will discuss how research and innovation contribute to sustainable growth, and offer solutions to global challenges. During the Master Classes, selected pupils and the audience will learn how to turn ideas into a thriving business "doing innovation", in a practical way. The other class will focus on "how to" communicate science. Round Table discussions will give further insight on dedicated themes in innovation relating to society: healthcare, science, risk and the media, and inclusive and social innovation. We will also have the opportunity to hear from an eminent Nobel Prize Laureate on why science matters and from some of the world's leading authorities on the economic and social aspect of innovation.

In parallel to the main programme, so-called "fringe" sessions will be organised by stakeholders. These are smaller workshops where one can participate in lively debates, ask questions and network with peers. The sessions will focus on themes closely linked to the priorities of the Innovation Union Initiative. They will concentrate on various subjects such as how to support young innovative SMEs, how to create successful partnerships between universities, industry and the public sector and how to ensure more women are included in the innovation cycle.

Follow this link for more information on programme details (mouse over sessions to see details).

Source:  Innovation Convention