The conference is the result of the integration of two existing prestigious events, the EU-Russia Innovation Forum - a promising international EU-Russia cooperation-focused event which is now starting its 3rd edition and gathered over 700 participants in 2011 - and the EBN Annual Congress,gathering 400 innovation & incubation professional for more than 20 years.Additionally, this year will benefit from a substantial involment ofLappeenranta University of Technology (LUT), and from a many European, Russian, American and Asian academic experts.Yes, knowledge, research, technology and education are keys to business growth!Together, the City of Lappeenranta, the Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) and EBN have decided to join forces and design a unique international event offering a discovery journey to the best and inspirational concepts & practices in the fields of innovation, small business development, higher education and international cooperation.The conference will address four grand challenges which are the backbone of our economic development mission:  INTERNATIONALIZATION, EDUCATION, COLLABORATION & OPEN INNOVATION!