WIRE Conference 2013

The WEEK of Innovative Regions in Europe IV (WIRE IV) Conference series will take place in University College Cork from 5^th to 7^th of June 2013. The Conference will focus on regional aspects relevant to the final stages of Horizon 2020 design and legislative process. It will bring together regional, national and European stakeholders including public organisations, policy-makers, research communities and enterprises.   As the conference will aim to directly involve the business community, including SMEs and multi-nationals, it is a conference that should not be missed. To register for the event, please click here.

The conference will make reference to:

• Europe 2020 objectives for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth
• Thematic concentration and smart specialisation for maximising impact
• The thematic objectives in line with Europe 2020 headline targets and flagship initiatives such as:
  • Strengthening research, technological development and innovation
  • Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs, the agricultural sector and the fisheries and aquaculture sector
  • Promoting employment and supporting labour mobility
  • Investing in education, skills and lifelong learning
  • Enhancing institutional capacity and an efficient public administration
  • Enhancing R&D infrastructure and capacities
  • Promoting business R&I investment and public service application
  • Clusters and open innovation through smart specialisation
  • The support cycle from technology transfer to advanced manufacturing

Some of the speakers at the conference will include Seán Sherlock, Minister of State; Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner; Jerzy Buzek, MEP, European Parliament; Markku Markkula, Member of Espoo City Council, Finland; Kieran Moylan, Border, Midland & Western Regional Assembly, Ireland; Tony Connelly, RTE; Dr. Christian Ketels, Harvard Business School; Lucas Janssen; Susanne Hammarström, Region Västra Götaland.