Presentation Skills

EU Initiatives on Regional Innovation Strategies

Overview of the Course

In 1994 the European Commission selected eight regions to test the concept of a Regional Innovation Strategy. In 1996 this was extended to a further 42 further regions. Today over 100 regions have started Regional Innovation Strategies and the concept is now being implemented in the new accession states in Central and Eastern Europe. In addition to the individual strategies the European Commission has established a ‘network of innovating regions’ so that experiences and best practices can be shared. Other thematic networks – networks of regions with a common theme (e.g. tourism, ecommerce, etc.), are also being established. The new structural funds and R&D programme have funding allocated to the promotion of Regional Innovation Strategies.

The aim of this course is to provide organizations with an overview of a Regional Innovation Strategy, practical experiences from existing strategies, the work involved in preparing a strategy, sources of information and sources of funding.

COURSE CONTENTS

1. Background to Regional Innovation Strategies:

	Issues affecting enterprises 2000+
	Issues affecting regions 2000 +
	EU Policy on Innovation
	EU Policy on Regional Development
	Overview of existing strategies

2. Overview of a Regional Innovation Strategy:

	Aims and expected results from a RIS
	Partners involved in the strategy
	Role and benefits for the different partners
	Best practices identified to date

3. Sources of Information:

	Web-sites on innovating regions
	Reports on existing RIS regions
	Handbook on the preparation of a RIS
	Reports on best practices
	Who’s Who in EU RIS Programmes

4. Sources of Funding for Regional Innovation Strategies:

	he Structural Funds
	The Fifth Framework Programme
	National / Regional Programmes

5. How to Prepare a Regional Innovation Strategy:

	Steps involved in preparing a RIS
	The Do’s and Don’ts
	Organizations involved and their role
	Expertise needed to prepare a RIS
	Expertise available for RIS development

6. Workshop and Discussion