| Brief: |
In order to achieve the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, we have to focus more on innovation and research, while taking account of the innovation potential of regions and cities. It is therefore essential that regional politicians and policy-makers, as well as locally-based universities and research institutes begin to actively develop joint regional innovation strategies based on smart specialisation. In addition, the EU, national and regional research and innovation agendas must be coordinated.
A particular attention should be also paid to various financing sources, including regional and local budgets, business contributions and a number of EU financial instruments. For instance, EU cohesion policy and Horizon 2020 contribute to enhancing the skills and innovation capacity, as well as to developing instruments and cooperation that promote intra-European cooperation between regions.
EPP/CoR Group continues its contribution to the implementation of the EUROPE 2020 strategy, in the context of future Cohesion Policy 2014-2020. This year’s workshop will focus on the Innovation Union flagship initiative, assessed from various angles such as: energy efficiency, SMEs and modernising public administration. In addition the workshop will also showcase best practices in these fields and will be followed by a networking session.
The key findings of the debate will be documented on-line during the workshop and the participants will interact as well by voting to define the most relevant outcomes. This will facilitate the discussion at the networking event (Atrium 5, COR) that will follow the workshop.
For more information please visit: www.epp.cor.europa.eu
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