A Science|Business Widening public conference
For the first time, Science|Business is heading to Skopje, North Macedonia. This conference, hosted by Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM), will highlight the opportunities to strengthen the European Research Area and explore how entities, researchers, and innovators can benefit most from the EU's research framework based on excellence and respect for differences. We will discuss the maintenance, construction, and integration of Research Infrastructures (RI) into the broader EU RI fleet, aiming to create a unified and cohesive European research environment.
Our discussions will highlight the symbiotic relationship between national and European stakeholders, advocating for a shift from mere funding exchange to a model that emphasizes mutual access and strategic partnerships between local and European research infrastructures. Panel discussions will also explore national differences in research and innovation policy and practice across Southeast Europe, highlighting successful strategies and identifying areas for improvement. Another major focus will be how the EU and SEE countries can work together to address the 'brain drain' by discussing strategies to make the region more attractive to researchers. These strategies include improving research and innovation facilities, funding opportunities, and collaboration prospects, thereby enhancing multilateral opportunities and improving innovations.
This conference is a forum for discussing policies and best practices and an excellent opportunity to engage with key decision-makers from the EU and Southeastern Europe research and innovation communities. It is a unique platform to debate on the future of European cooperation in these fields and support the EU's strategic goals of enlargement and integration.
14.30 Registration and welcome coffee
15.00 Welcome session
- Biljana Angelova, Rector, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje
- Elke Dall, Senior Researcher and Project Manager, Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI); Coordinator, POLICY ANSWERS Project
15.20 Spotlight Session - Diversity delectate
- Dimitris Koureas, Chief Information Officer and Managing Director, Digital Strategy and Innovation, Naturalis Biodiversity Center
Introduced by Elke Dall, Senior Researcher and Project Manager, Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI); Coordinator, POLICY ANSWERS Project
15.55 Investment into knowledge: How do countries and the EU invest in research and innovation?
Panel discussion featuring:
- András Inotai, Head of Unit, Innovation Policy and Access to Finance, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission
- Marta Kaczmarek, Director, EIT Community Strategic Regional Innovations Cluster
- Anastas Mishev, Full Professor, Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje
- Naďa Witzanyová, Senior External Affairs Manager, The Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC
Moderated by Florin Zubașcu, Executive Editor, Science|Business
16.55 Coffee break
17.15 Access and brain circulation across the EU: How to secure the 5th freedom of knowledge
Panel discussion featuring:
- Katalin Alföldi, Policy Adviser, COST Association
- Nenad Čelarević, Regional Business Development Manager, Helvetas
- Siniša Marčić, Senior Expert on Human Capital Development, Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)
Moderated by Edit Herczog, Chair, Science|Business Widening Initiative
18.15 Closing session
- Sorin Costreie, President, Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe (UNICA)
- Valentina Gecevska, Vice Rector for Science, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje
18.30 Reception
Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM)
For more information, please contact Denitsa Nikolova at [email protected]
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