Local and regional leaders discussed and shared their best practices on the crucial role of knowledge in strengthening innovation ecosystems at a seminar held at the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on 14 May. The event, organised jointly by the CoR Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC) and by European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, provided a platform for regions and cities to exchange experiences on translating knowledge into practical and innovative solutions.
At the seminar "Knowledge valorisation for the regional and local R&I ecosystems" organised under the Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP) 2.0 framework, experts and policymakers shared their experiences, challenges, and innovative and sustainable solutions to enhance the social and economic impact of research and innovation in local and regional ecosystems.
The debate focused on the importance of effectively using research knowledge to create social and economic value by developing sustainable products, services, and policies that respond to society's current needs and improve citizens' lives. The critical role that regional and local authorities play in implementing policies to support this transformation and R&I programs was highlighted in the seminar.
Participants shared practical experiences from taking part in the Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) on Knowledge Valorisation launched in 2023 by the European Commission. This initiative aims to help Member States and associated countries to improve their policies and public support for the adoption and dissemination of knowledge, focussing on skills, intersectoral cooperation and incentive systems. Enhancing the way knowledge is shared so that it serves citizens by creating new solutions to Europe's current problems is one of the key strategies of the New European Innovation Agenda, created in 2022.
The Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP) 2.0, jointly developed by the European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, is a renewed initiative aimed at fostering dialogue and the exchange of new solutions and best practices in research and innovation.
Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP), chair of the SEDEC Commission and mayor of Gabrovo said: “The topic 'knowledge valorisation' speaks a lot to me as an elected local politician. It combines well with the overall objectives of the year-long cooperation that we have with DG R&I - namely, the knowledge exchange platform (KEP). This is a two-way process, where research results are shared with or demonstrated at the regional level. While local stakeholders also have the opportunity to bring to the attention of innovators and scholars their needs and aspirations, arising bottom up, at the city and regional level."
To re-watch the seminar on "Knowledge valorisation for the regional and local R&I ecosystems" and its sessions and case studies, click here.