Report

Teaser, summary, work performed and final results

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - WIRE2018 (Smart Choices for innovative regional ecosystems. The Power of Connectivity, Entrepreneurship and Science & Research.)

Teaser

The WIRE 2018 conference was hosted by Standortagentur Tirol, the agency of the 2018 chair region of the European Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) and took place in Innsbruck from 4 to 6 July 2018.The conference came timely to discuss the European Commission’s vision...

Summary

The WIRE 2018 conference was hosted by Standortagentur Tirol, the agency of the 2018 chair region of the European Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) and took place in Innsbruck from 4 to 6 July 2018.
The conference came timely to discuss the European Commission’s vision for the tw most relevant EU funding instruments in a regional innovation context. The WIRE discussion provides a valuable feedback on presented documents with a view on the needs and expectations of regional innovation, including synergies that should be realised from combined use of the instruments. The WIRE discussion will inform the ensuing policy debates at regional, national and EU level.

The conference provided a platform for policy makers, national & regional authorities, research institutions and enterprises from all over Europe to have an in-depth discussion on research and innovation practices and challenges throughout the European regions. Three elements that proved powerful for the creation of a Tyrolean innovation ecosystem were chosen for general discussion with European innovation experts: A strong science base, cultivating entrepreneurial spirit and comprehensive connectivity between actors of innovation systems – thus the conference title “Smart Choices for innovative regional ecosystems. The Power of Connectivity, Entrepreneurship and Science & Research.”

The conference was a prime event under the flag of the Austrian EU Presidency in 2018 and corresponded with two of its general guiding themes. ‘A Europe that protects’, Austria wishes to focus on stability and security for the Union. Research and innovation are key factors to preserve our prosperity and secure Europe’s competitiveness in the world. ‘Build bridges’ among different visions for the Union, between politics and citizens who expect solutions to their concerns, and reach out to better connect with our neighbourhood. Building bridges is the bottom line to successfully proceed on the path of widening the participation in ERA.

The general objectives of WIRE 2018 were to exchange experiences on the outcome of former WIRE conferences, to concentrate on three thematic areas (Science & Research, Entrepreneurship and Connectivity which are of high relevance for successful innovation ecosystems and have not been in focus by previous WIRE conferences), to intertwine cross-cutting phenomena such as digitisation, urban-rural divide and inclusion, to provide a platform for discourse on regional innovation in Europe and to lay the groundwork for the tenth anniversary of WIRE in 2019.

Key figures include: more than 200 participants from 30 different countries, 5 journalists registered (one cancellation), more than five independent articles (online print), more than 43% female speakers.

Work performed

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.

Final results

The WIRE 2018 conference offered a timely opportunity to take stock of the role of regional innovation, the need to widen participation in innovation processes, include citizens, foster inter-regional co-operation and demonstrate the value created by knowledge and innovation in every region, across the EU. The conference discussed the Commission’s vision on regional innovation in the next generation of EU instruments: Horizon Europe and the Cohesion policy should be used to create synergies.

WIRE 2018 provided a platform for stakeholders to have an in-depth discussion on the opportunities presented for research and innovation focused on three thematic tracks. A particular focus lay on excellence driven programs and extraordinary examples of interregional and cross-border open innovation practices throughout the EU (eg Smart City Project SINFONIA with Innsbruck (A) and Bolzano (I)). In order to increase awareness on the importance of regional innovation ecosystems and the need for action to develop further, the WIRE 2018 conference was titled “Smart Choices for Innovative Regional Ecosystems. The Power of Connectivity, Entrepreneurship and Science & Research.”

Regional innovation experts from the academic, business and policy sectors joined the conference and profited from it being a meeting platform between the local innovation community and European guests. The regional impact in the Tyrol was larger than expected. Press coverage was extensive. Interest in EU funding instruments in a regional innovation context was high and WIRE has contributed heavily to a higher level of awareness in the region.

Website & more info

More info: http://www.wire2018.eu.