Organisation of the WIRE 2018: The conference took place in Innsbruck, Austria from 4 to 6 July 2018 during the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The conference was titled “Smart Choices for innovative regional ecosystems. The Power of Connectivity, Entrepreneurship and Science & Research.” The organization was carried out by Standortagentur Tirol in close collaboration with the European Commission and is supported by the local authorities in Tyrol as well as the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research.
The project of implementing and organising WIRE 2018 was planned for 12 months. The conference organisation process divided into 3 phases: Preparation (first phase, 4 months, contacting suppliers, preparing conference agenda, meeting with the European Steering Group & partners); Implementation (second phase, 3 months to conference) and Follow-up (third phase for dissemination and reporting) and the workload was divided in 4 work packages (WP):
WP 1 (Project Management) covered financial, administrative, technical and contractual management of the project and coordinating project activities; cooperation with regional and European stakeholders. Several regional and national meetings and three European Steering Group meetings were held for proper conference organization and management.
WP 2 (Content Management) focused on the set-up of an inspiring conference agenda attracting high level speakers (in total 51), rapporteurs and moderators. More than 230 delegates from 30 different countries registered for the conference. 3 meetings of the European Steering Group were held. An exhibition and three site visits were organized.
WP 3 (Logistics) dealt with the conference and organizational tasks such as lease of venue, transport, catering, accommodation, technical support, security and creating a unique Tirol experience for delegates.
WP 4 (Dissemination & Communication) included activities for raising awareness and long-term impact of the event covering e.g. preparation and distribution of material, creation and implementation of a visual identity and design, creation of the website with continuing updates. Press and media relations were planned and finalized resulting in extensive regional media coverage.
Three main thematic areas of the conference agenda - Science & Research, Entrepreneurship and Connectivity - were chosen for discussion at Parallel Sessions and referred to in the keynote speeches and sessions. Cross-cutting influence factors like digitisation or urban-rural divide were integrated in the programme. The sessions, keynotes, round tables and social events allowed for in-depth discussion of innovation regional ecosystems in Europe. The discussion of the two most relevant EU funding instruments in a regional context at WIRE 2018 provided valuable feedback and will inform the ensuing policy debates therefore connecting with and preparing and laying groundwork for WIRE 2019.
