Éva-Mária Szávuj, Head of Unit A1, European Semester & Country Intelligence, Directorate General of Research and Innovation.

Regions and cities often play a crucial role in hosting, financing and integrating these infrastructures within local innovation ecosystems, connecting universities, SMEs, start-ups, and public authorities. Their impact being often subdued by localised operations and a fragmented landscape raises key questions: what are the tangible benefits for communities in hosting these infrastructures, and how can their presence translate into jobs, skills, and local economic competitiveness? 

The new European Strategy on research and technology infrastructures sets out a long-term vision to expand and unite this innovation ecosystem into a world-class network capable of boosting European competitiveness. Indeed, if change happens where people live and work, and if Europe thrives when its regions thrive, then the EU should base its competitiveness on world-class research and innovation infrastructures that are firmly rooted in local areas. This also implies reflecting on how regions and cities can attract and retain such infrastructures, by creating favourable conditions, investing in talent, and strengthening their innovation capacity. 

This Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP) seminar seeks to present the new European Strategy and to find innovative solutions to make cutting-edge research and technology infrastructures accessible to researchers, innovators, and industries throughout Europe, no matter where they are from. 

The seminar aims to launch a fruitful discussion with local authorities and stakeholders on how to foster greater coordination and collaboration across regional borders, including how local governments can work more effectively together, share resources, and build partnerships that amplify impact beyond their territories, nurture cohesive and integrated ecosystem where local action contributes to a united European vision. 

Join us to explore strategies for transforming Europe's infrastructures into a competitive network of research, tech and innovation enablers at global level, while ensuring that local communities actively benefit and play a central role in shaping this transformation.