After introductory statements from the co-chairs, who highlighted in particular the importance of 'Horizon 2020', the next Research and Innovation Framework Programme, for the EU as well as bi-regional dialogue.

So-called progress reports were presented to the Platform in printed versions accompanied by short oral presentations - on the website of WBC-INCO.NET these progress reports are also available for the interested reader. At the moment, increasing participation in the Seventh EU Research Framework Programme (FP7) in preparation of Horizon 2020 is a major topic. The success in calls of Workprogrammes 2012 and 2013 is of crucial importance. Several stakeholders participated in the exchange of information that is also an objective of the Platform, namely: the Central European Initiative emphasising their activities to launch a regional project on Next Generation Bio Fuels, EUREKA intensifying activities with the region, OECD and their “Regional Competitiveness Initiative”.

The Platform also welcomed the actions of other stakeholders and donors, such as the USAID / SIDA supported project “FIRMA” which contribute to the implementation of national strategies in line with EU Innovation Union objectives.
The need to continue the support for all enlargement countries with the Steering Platform was called upon, building on the existing projects such as SEE-ERA.NET PLUS and WBC-INCO.NET. Analytical results from the project have been presented and specific recommendations discussed - in particular some that have also been identified as relevant for the enlargement countries under the Innovation Union.

One of the further topics, in order to fulfil the commitments of the Innovation Union, is the need to develop better S&T statistics and the importance of international comparability in line with EUROSTAT, OECD and UNESCO. The representative of UNESCO offered to take up this issue and further support the process.

The participants have been informed about the launch of the project “Regional R&D for Innovation Strategy for the Western Balkans” which took place in Belgrade on 23-25 November. 

The absolute key presentation of the day was held in the afternoon - the European Commission introduced some details of 'Horizon 2020' - the day after its adoption by the European Commission. In particular accession possibilities for enlragement countries have been discussed. As Horizon 2020 draws very much on the "Synergies with the Structural Funds" (for EU Member States), the synergies with the next IPA II (Instrument for Pre-Accession) were another hot topic, they are welcomed but several questions were raised on its effective implementation.

The next meeting will be held in June in Albania, co-chaired with the European Commission and the Danish presidency. We will keep you updated! 

--> The powerpoint presentations are available from the related event entry, see link below.