his year the European Innovation Summit is
celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Ten years ago, to speak of innovation as
the main driver of growth was pioneering and
innovative in itself. But today, in their speeches
in the EP almost every head of state refects on
innovations and their importance to society
and economies.
Awareness of the importance of the
development of a creative society, the need
for changing educational models, connecting
scientifc research with the needs of
entrepreneurs, supporting startups to scale up
fast and the need for increasing investments
into research and innovation, has completely
changed. But this awareness now needs to turn
into concrete actions, and should be visible in the
new MFF and regulations.
I would like to congratulate all K4I members,
who have been promoting innovation and the
importance of building an innovative society.
You are the ones who have initiated discussions
on: new EU innovation policy, partnerships for
innovation, the innovation ecosystem, evidence-
based regulations, development of new skills,
removing barriers to innovation, tackling
society’s big challenges…
I am delighted that this year’s ‘EU Top 50
Founders and Tech Festival’ will take place again
in the European Parliament, and will be focused
on young founders and innovators from all over
the EU who will be discussing interesting topics
such as digital transformation, clean energy,
healthcare for a better life, urban mobility,
AI/Big Data, food for all, the Internet of Things,
and more. Young innovation leaders will
engage in ‘tech talks’ with participants,
exchange experience, meet, connect and network
ideas with investors, corporations, startups and
their peers.
I sincerely wish all participants of the
10th European Innovation Summit fruitful
discussions, success in making connections and
starting a wide range of new projects.
Ivana Maletić, MEP
Chair of the Knowledge4Innovation Forum of the
European Parliament
Innovation – it’s time to act
Welcome
EIS 2018 / 3