IRE Plenary Conference for better European innovation policies
24 May 2007 - 25 May 2007
The IRE Plenary Conference, organised every two years, is the most important IRE event which brings together regional representatives from all over Europe. It provides excellent opportunities to meet representatives of the European Commission, leading experts on innovation policy and, not least, peers from other regions. The 5th IRE Plenary Conference, entitled ‘Fostering the knowledge economy in Europe: Making regional innovation policies more innovative’, aims to provide useful information for policy making as well as opportunities to network and establish new contacts.
Europe’s ambitious objective of matching its global competitors in terms of innovation and growth necessitates continuous innovation also in the policy sphere. The European Commission will present the main features of its policies addressing these challenges on a regional level at the Plenary Conference. Conference participants will be invited to evaluate the progress made so far and consider the next steps forward in three areas of major interest for regional as well as cross-border innovation policy: innovation governance, research-based clusters and growth poles, and implementation of regional innovation policy.
Other crucial topics for innovation policy that will be explored during the conference include:
- methodology for assessing the impact of regional innovation policies;
- ways to promote innovation in the service sector and the different challenges this brings, compared to more traditional innovation in manufacturing industry;
- innovation in traditional areas, with a specific focus on exploring alternatives to developing high-tech sectors.
A highlight during the conference will be the presentation of the IRE Award for the Best Regional Innovation Scheme, which will take place during the gala dinner on 24 May. The Award aims to give recognition to successful concrete measures which promote innovation in European regions.
Europe’s ambitious objective of matching its global competitors in terms of innovation and growth necessitates continuous innovation also in the policy sphere. The European Commission will present the main features of its policies addressing these challenges on a regional level at the Plenary Conference. Conference participants will be invited to evaluate the progress made so far and consider the next steps forward in three areas of major interest for regional as well as cross-border innovation policy: innovation governance, research-based clusters and growth poles, and implementation of regional innovation policy.
Other crucial topics for innovation policy that will be explored during the conference include:
- methodology for assessing the impact of regional innovation policies;
- ways to promote innovation in the service sector and the different challenges this brings, compared to more traditional innovation in manufacturing industry;
- innovation in traditional areas, with a specific focus on exploring alternatives to developing high-tech sectors.
A highlight during the conference will be the presentation of the IRE Award for the Best Regional Innovation Scheme, which will take place during the gala dinner on 24 May. The Award aims to give recognition to successful concrete measures which promote innovation in European regions.