Islands – testbeds for innovation?

Join Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform at our online workshop on December 9 at 13:00, focusing on islands as testbeds for innovation. 

Following the publication of the editorial Islands: testbeds of innovation? this eWorkshop will explore how policymakers from different European islands, including outermost regions, address the challenges of promoting innovation and entrepreneurship.

As many islands are facing similar challenges of regional development policies in their specific geographical context, this online workshop also aims at discussing their specific needs. Ranging from innovation strategies to entrepreneurship practices, the workshop will also showcase practices from the Interreg Europe community.

What to expect

Session 1 – Strategic approaches to innovation and entrepreneurship

Thematic introduction to the session 

• Innovation challenges in outermost regions – Innovation strategy of the Azores
  Fábio AL. Vieira, Autonomous Region of the Azores (Portugal)

• Smart Specialisation Strategy of Malta
  Sarah Mifsud Attard, XjenzaMalta
• Innovation and entrepreneurship on La Réunion
  TBC, Regional Council of La Réunion (France)

Panel discussion 

Break

Session 2 – Innovation and entrepreneurship practices

• Innofest and Lab Vlieland, Friesland (Netherlands)
  Dennis Sieperda, Province of Fryslân (Islands of Innovation)
• Innovation Lab and Business Lab Åland (Finland)
  Anna-Lena Groos, Åland University of applied sciences (Digital Islands) - TBC
• TERINOV Science and Technology Park, Azores (Portugal)
  Duarte Pimentel, TERINOV Science and Technology Park - TBC

Panel discussion 

Plenary - Wrap up and conclusions

Key lessons learned from the two sessions