23.06.2011 | Brussels, European Commission, Conference Centre “Charlemagne” building, Rue de la Loi 170
Europe's regions and cities are being called on to make a decisive contribution to the smart, sustainable and inclusive growth objectives of Europe 2020. Drawing on the recent Commission communications on smart and sustainable growth* this year's edition of the Regions for Economic Change conference will present and discuss a range of key tools and networks and highlight excellent projects and initiatives from cities and regions to stimulate policy learning and demonstrate the key contribution of regional policy to economic modernisation and the Europe 2020 goals.
The event is targeted, as in previous years, to Structural Funds managers and national, regional and local policy-makers, authorities and their professional intermediaries, including their Brussels-based representatives and networks.
Programme outline:
- The first day of the conference will kick-off with a plenary session, a debate on "Smart specialisation for smart growth" and the official launch of the "Smart Specialisation Platform," a new Commission initiative designed to offer assistance in drawing up regional smart specialisation strategies.
- After lunch participants will have the opportunity to attend three parallel policy learning sessions. Two of them are dedicated to tools and networks for smart regions and one highlights the urban dimension of smart growth.
- The day will culminate with celebrations of the RegioStars awards 2011 and a networking reception for all conference participants.
- The second day will shift the main focus to sustainable growth with a plenary session and three parallel policy learning sessions dedicated to tools and networks for sustainable regions with one highlighting the specific urban dimension of sustainable growth.
In line with the integrated policy objectives of Europe 2020, representatives of Commission Directorates General such as DG ENTR, RTD, ENER, INFSO will play a key role as moderators and speakers at the conference, particularly in the "tools" and "networks" workshops, which will mix their policy presentations with good practice examples from Regional Policy. Active debate will occur, not only among panel participants, but also involving the audience will be encouraged.
The Future begins now! If you are a Structural Funds manager designing strategic interventions or a policy-maker active in putting your region/city on the global map, don't miss this excellent learning and networking opportunity.
For detailed agenda, to register and for more useful information, please click here
source: http://www.interact-eu.net