Regions and cities put science at work to design new public policies

​​​Regions and cities shared and discussed their initiatives and experience in drawing up public policies based on concrete scientific data and their role in implementing the new European Innovation Agenda in two seminars that took place back-to-back at the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) on 27 and 28 September. The events promoted by the CoR Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC) brought together policymakers and experts from the local, regional and European levels.

The seminar "Advancing evidence for policy across Europe" concluded theScience meets Regions project (2021-2023), whichaimed to strengthen the capacity of the regions for evidence-based policymaking and promote a networking initiative to share practices, methods and tools at regional and local levels, such as the organisation of innovation camps and participatory events and specific support for multi-regional networks involving at least three regions or cities in at least two different Member States, among others. The project culminates more than two years of cooperation between the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC).

Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP), Chair of the SEDEC commission and Mayor of Gabrovo, opened the event and said: "It would be an understatement to say that the Science meets Regions project has been important and useful for the development and internationalisation of my city and region Gabrovo. It came just at the right time! The help offered by JRC was the right amount needed – neither too big, nor too interventionist. The results in my city are clear: we managed to organise seven Innovation Camps in a row in Gabrovousing the JRC methodology. This event has become a 'best practice' in Bulgaria , and innovators from all walks of life and generations are eagerly waiting for each new edition of the Camp."

Stephen Quest, JRC Director-General of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) highlighted: “The overwhelming interest elicited by the Science meets Regions initiative shows the benefit of supporting evidence-informed policymaking at local and regional level. We should strive to offer scientific and methodological support to regional and local encourage them to embrace the experiential knowledge of citizens in their decision-making processes. As evidence goes beyond mere science, regions and cities are indeed ideally placed to engage with their citizens.”

The seminar's agenda included several parallel sessions and networking, where it was possible to share initiatives, see the results of the preparatory action and debate the future of this critical policy area.

In the event, "Implementation of the New European Innovation Agenda – What is in it for regions and cities?" ,organised within the framework Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP 2.0), participants focused on the role of regions and cities in the implementation of the new European Innovation Agenda. In particular, the creation of interconnected Regional Innovation Valleys (RIVs) across the EU aims to establish a community of regions that cooperate and work together based on their smart specialisation strategies to respond specific local challenges and needs.

Last year, the European Commission's Communication setting out the New European Innovation Agenda, defined a strategy to strengthen Europe's leadership in high-tech innovation, enabling it to tackle the most pressing societal challenges and position Europe as a leading player in the global innovation scene. One of five flagship initiatives, RIVs are intended to involve 100 regions and cities that commit themselves to enhancing the coordination and direction of their R&I investment and policies at the regional level. "Research and innovation play a crucial role in addressing the most urgent challenges of our era, such as accomplishing the green and digital transitions," stressed SEDEC Chair Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP) at the opening panel.

​​The Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP) is a forum for dialogue with European regions and cities on issues related to research and innovation, jointly developed by the European Committee of the Regions and the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation.

To re-watch the seminar, "Implementation of the New European Innovation Agenda – What is in it for regions and cities?",and its sessions and case studies, click here.​