EWRC 2020: Smart specialisation in regions lagging behind: Interregional cooperation as a way to overcome challenges?- Virtual session

  • 13 Oct 2020 to 13 Oct 2020

The workshop aims to explore the benefits and challenges of interregional cooperation in research and innovation, and especially in relation to the implementation of smart specialisation strategies (S3). We will try to identify the mutual benefits of the two concepts based on the links established and the tools involved. Interregional cooperation activities can be part of a continuum, from policy learning (identifying common priorities and challenges and sharing and transferring best practices), to policy alignment (aligning or opening up regional programmes and designing joint measures and projects) and policy integration (aligning policies and strategies and creating joint strategies).

Read more 

Agenda and Presentations

13 October 2020 - 11:30 - 13:00 CET - Online and registration 

 

Moderator:

  • Elisa Gerussi, Policy officer, European Commission - Joint Research Center, Spain.
  • Ana Mihaljević, Policy officer, Interreg Europe, France.
  • Etienne Verhelle, Policy Officer, Interreg Europe, France. 

Speakers:

  • Rima Dijkstra, Project coordinator, Agency for Science, Innovation and Technology MITA, Lithuania.
  • Cornelia Muraru, Technological and Business Incubator Coordinator, Cluster manager, INMA (National Institute of Research, RO), project partner of Interreg Europe project CLUSTERIX 2.O, Romania
  • Paulo Santos, Head of the Division for Strategic Planning and Regional Development, CCDR-N (Norte Regional Development and Coordination Commission, PT) project partner of Cross-border Smart Specialisation Strategy of Galicia - Norte of Portugal (RIS3T) Project.
  • Svilen Kunev, Professor at the University of Ruse, “Angel Kanchev”, Bulgaria. 

Practical Information

When
13 Oct 2020 to 13 Oct 2020
Registration Information
Online event open to all

Description

The workshop aims to explore the benefits and challenges of interregional cooperation in research and innovation, and especially in relation to the implementation of smart specialisation strategies (S3). We will try to identify the mutual benefits of the two concepts based on the links established and the tools involved. Interregional cooperation activities can be part of a continuum, from policy learning (identifying common priorities and challenges and sharing and transferring best practices), to policy alignment (aligning or opening up regional programmes and designing joint measures and projects) and policy integration (aligning policies and strategies and creating joint strategies).

Our workshop will focus on the "regions lagging behind", which are increasingly engaging in interregional cooperation activities that go beyond exchanging best practices and policy learning. Indeed, there are a number of barriers and challenges that often prevent regions, especially regions lagging behind, from fully and effectively being involved in international R&I networks.

Discussions during the workshop should focus on how to improve the capacity of regions lagging behind to promote cooperation and the internationalisation of R&I systems in relation to S3 implementation, looking especially at:

  • cooperation in terms of similarities between R&I systems and in case of geographical proximity or S3 common priority areas;
  • the ability of S3 public administrations to use available funds;
  • S3 governance arrangements;
  • policy measures to improve R&I systems' abilities to benefit from cooperation activities.

Examples of specific benefits that regions lagging behind have gained from interregional cooperation will be presented. In particular, representatives from three Interreg Europe projects will share their experiences by focusing on how interregional cooperation supports innovation networks and contributes to their involvement in RIS3 implementation; the impact of regional clusters and increased competitiveness on local business, especially SMEs; the capacities and skills needed to promote fruitful international cooperation on R&I; the tool that local authorities should put in place to foster interregional engagement processes.