INTERACT and the Hungarian National Development Agency are addressing "Innovation in and links between European Territorial Cooperation and other funding opportunities" in a conference that will take place on 25-26 May 2011, in Budapest, under the auspices of the Hungarian EU Presidency.
Innovation is a field where real potential for synergies exists. This event is going to take a look at which programmes around Europe will foster innovation. Innovation can happen in all kinds of thematic fields and economic sectors. It is often, but not exclusively, driven by research and technology development such as increased energy efficiency or new health services through innovative use of ICT. It can also be driven by non-technological factors, such as new services in tourism or new approaches to environmental issues. What are Territorial Cooperation programmes, other programmes and initiatives, doing to foster innovation? What works and what can be improved?
Synergies between Territorial Cooperation, other programmes and initiatives are becoming more and more important, not only in the context of EU macro-regional strategies, but also as a general way to improve the effectiveness of the various funding and financing instruments. What potential synergies already exist between Territorial Cooperation, other programmes and initiatives? What are some concrete and practical mechanisms to make better use of synergies?
This event will also provide an opportunity to begin discussing the role of innovation in the future, as well as the concept of smart growth, one of the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy. What can we learn for the preparation of the next generation of Territorial Cooperation programmes? What does smart growth mean and what is in there for Territorial Cooperation?
Agenda and more information will soon be available on the Interact website.