The scope of the trip is:

• To understand better how the EC works, particularly in terms of policy development regarding Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and to give the EC feedback on any relevant areas of these policies
• To learn about the funded programmes and EC supports available for SMEs
• To meet with some of our state agencies and public representatives to discuss how their work is benefiting Ireland and the Cork region, and to pose questions or raise any concerns we might have about Cork’s economic development
• To find out more about other models of support for start-ups and incubation centres in the Brussels area
• To promote Cork’s strengths as an Innovative and Entrepreneurial region
• To reflect on how the stakeholders in the Cork region might be able to collaborate on further initiatives in this area.