Initial Steps and Planning:
The project began with preparatory activities to align partners on the event's scope and goals. The main challenge of organizing content and speakers for 12 breakout sessions was addressed by appointing "co-directors" from both the Belgian regional side and the European Commission. They set the session scopes, contacted speakers, and structured the discussions, successfully securing 90 speakers. Regular meetings with regional partners and the European Commission ensured smooth progress. Expanding the event from one to two days required additional partners like Ideal-ist for company visits, incurring extra costs that proved beneficial given positive feedback.
Event Breakdown:
The “Research to Reality – Digital Solutions for European Challenges” event, held on February 5-6, 2024, in Brussels, was organized by the Belgian Regions of Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels, with DG CONNECT.
• Day 1:
Featured policy discussions and keynotes by Luc Van den hove (imec), Roberto Viola (DG CNECT), Ana Barjasic (Connectology, EIC Board), and Patricia Besson (Thales).
Included 12 breakout sessions on European digital leadership, technological autonomy, and funding, covering AR/VR/XR, AI, Semiconductors, and Digital Europe Programme achievements.
• Day 2:
Workshops on programme participation and visits to imec, Buildwise, and FARI showcased regional technological advancements. Ideal-ist facilitated networking activities and set up 6 workshops.
Event Outcomes:
The event had 650 on-site and 600 online attendees, receiving high ratings for livestream quality, content, interaction, and overall experience. Networking opportunities and company visits were especially well-received.
Main Achievements:
Participation and Engagement: The event was highly successful with extensive networking and collaboration among 650 on-site and 650 online attendees, including policy contributors, researchers, and industry representatives.
Key Findings and Recommendations: The event produced significant insights and recommendations to enhance synergies between Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Programme. Key takeaways included aligning funding strategies, ensuring sustainable funding mechanisms, and building trust and compliance frameworks for digital technologies.
Outcomes:
• Enhanced Synergies: Emphasized creating synergies between research and deployment activities with integrated strategies and removal of practical barriers.
• Policy Advancements: Developed policy recommendations to simplify cooperation, address legal and regulatory challenges, and foster competition.
• Improved Digital Infrastructure: Highlighted the need for sustained investment in High Performance Computing, AI, Cybersecurity, and Digital Skills.
• Increased Innovation: Showcased successful digital innovations, inspiring further cooperation and demonstrating the benefits of strategic alignment between European funding programmes.
Post-Event Activities:
Results and recommendations were presented to the programme committees of Cluster 4 (Horizon Europe) and the Digital Europe Programme. The final document was disseminated to attendees and through various channels to ensure wide visibility and impact.
