SMEs and Smart Specialisation

08 Nov 2012
Centre Albert Borschette, Brussels (BE)

Agenda and Presentations

Session I: Introduction to the Structural Funds, Smart Specialisation and SMEs
1. Introduction to the Structural Funds - what is it, who decide what and how can SMEs benefit? Main novelties of the 2014-2020 reformed policy, stakeholder involvement and European Conduct on Partnership by Mikel Landabaso, DG REGIO.
2. Smart Specialisation Strategies - methodology and the role of SMEs by Jens Sörvik, JRC-IPTS.

Session II: The governance of RIS3
1. How can SMEs act as change agents and support smart specialisation? by Christian Saublens, EURADA.
2. How are SMEs/SME representative organisations currently involved in RIS3 development/Strategic Framework programming across EU 27? by Gerhard Huemer, UEAPME; Report from survey, which is the basis for the presentation.

Session III: Parallel case studies and action plan workshops
1. Lower Austria: Case study of processes of SME involvement in RIS3 work in Lower Austria by Irma Priedl.
2. Puglia, Italy: Case study of SME involvement in Smart Specialisation processes in Puglia by Anna Maria Zonno.
3. Värmland, Sweden: Case study of cluster work in Region Värmland Sweden with a particular focus on collaborative cross sectoral innovation policy processes by Mats Williams.

Session IV: Charting out an SME action plan for smart specialisation

Practical Information

When: 08 Nov 2012
Where: Centre Albert Borschette, Brussels (BE)
Registration Information: Registration is closed.

Description

JRC-IPTS together with DG REGIO, DG ENTR, EURADA and UEAPME hosted an event on SMEs and Smart Specialisation. The event informed on and discussed possibilities for SME involvement in smart specialisation strategy development (RIS3) and their implementation. There were slightly over 100 participants from all over Europe, mainly from SME organisations and representatives from regional and national agencies in charge of SME involvement in RIS3. Important messages were that SMEs and their representative organisations should act to involve themselves in RIS3 processes and that regional representatives should engage with these actors as they are central to the process. Furthermore there was a strong emphasis on innovation not only being about high tech companies, but that it is broader and include for example service and public sector innovation. As an outcome of the conference an Action Plan for the involvement of SME representative organisations in the RIS3 development was released.