Welcome
elcome to the 10th
anniversary European
Innovation Summit. The
past decade has seen a lot of
turmoil, with the economic and
fnancial crisis, Brexit, looming
trade wars, widening disparities
between member states,
changing geo political and
competitiveness realities.
At the same time, we have also
witnessed a changing innovation
landscape, with increasing
complexity, true global
competition, all developing
very quickly.
The EU in 2020 will be a critical
point in time, with new
challenges and changed
paradigms. A number of crucial
policy decisions have to be made
before then. The choices will
determine the resilience and
future for all member states,
their knowledge institutions,
industries and citizens.
Research and Innovation
are driving forces for growth,
jobs and well-being, and the
new Multi-annual Financial
Framework, Horizon Europe - and
related programmes like Digital
Europe, will set the direction
for the decade ahead. The
policy initiatives include new
instruments, more bottom up,
multi stakeholder approaches and
a stronger focus on innovation.
This anniversary EIS will be the
place to discuss the future with
industry, R&I actors, innovators,
citizens, policy makers, investors
and for the frst time a selection
of Young Innovation Leaders.
As part of the second edition of
the EUTOP50 Founders and Tech
Festival, we are launching a new
mentorship programme for a
selection of promising startups
that have applied during the
EUTOP50 competition.
Robbert Fisher, President, Knowledge4Innovation, Managing Director, JIIP
Roland Strauss, Managing Director, Knowledge4Innovation
We look forward to welcoming you.
A special welcome
4 / EIS 2018