Propelling
Europe
forward
In the dynamic tapestry of global
challenges, the imperative
pursuit of groundbreaking ideas
has evolved from a choice to a
necessity. Within the pages of this
magazine, we unveil a testament
to the transformative force of
Science, Research & Innovation
(R&I), technology, and the digital
transition.
Marking 15 years of the
Knowledge4Innovation Forum in the
European Parliament, we celebrate
a legacy of collaboration uniting
academics, researchers, industry
leaders, entrepreneurs, and
policymakers. This forum serves
as a guiding beacon, directing us
towards innovative solutions and
sustainable progress.
As you delve into these pages,
the reflections of key figures
echo through the corridors of
time. From European Commission
President José Manuel Barroso
to the current President of the
European Commission, Ursula
von der Leyen, different European
Commissioners, the President of
the European Parliament, Roberta
Metsola, and numerous Members
of the European Parliament.
Their unwavering support
has moulded the trajectory of
Knowledge4Innovation, providing a
compass for our collective journey.
These pages emphasise the past
and future endeavours dedicated to
supporting science, research, and
innovation, weaving the narrative
of technological advancement as
a cornerstone for the green and
digital transitions. Our commitment
is rooted in propelling Europe
to global competitiveness and
achieving a sustainable economy.
This journey is a manifestation of
collaborative efforts, streamlined
pathways, and strategic financial
backing, propelling Europe forward,
where innovative ideas turn into
tangible solutions, securing our
competitiveness on the global
stage.
As the Chair of the Forum, it gives
me immense pride to see such
groundbreaking initiatives brought
to the forefront by an organization
that has been a pioneer in Europe’s
innovation landscape since 2009.
The impact of the K4I Forum is
something that Mariya Gabriel,
European Commissioner for
Innovation, acknowledged in her
keynote speech at the European
Innovation Area Summit in June
2022, at the time of the launch
of the New European Innovation
Agenda. She emphasized, “The
Knowledge4Innovation platform
has served the objective of
providing the European Parliament,
the European Commission, and the
stakeholders group with the forum
for discussing innovation.”
Similarly, women innovators and
female-led startups, another
focus area of the activity of
Knowledge4Innovation Forum
in the European Parliament, are
contributing some of the most vital
solutions. Commissioner Gabriel,
passionate about this space,
noted that women innovators
are “responsible for some of the
most groundbreaking innovations
contributing to a more sustainable
future.”
Thank you for embarking on this
journey of exploration, reflection,
and inspiration. May these pages
serve not just as a record of
accomplishments but as a catalyst
for your contributions to a future
where innovation shapes the future
for coming generations.
Maria da Graça Carvalho MEP
Chair, Knowledge4Innovation
Forum in the European Parliament
WELCOME | MARIA DA GRAÇA CARVALHO MEP
02 | INNOVATORS MAGAZINE | JANUARY 2024