As Cohesion Policy 2014–2020 strongly focuses on research and innovation as a driving force for keeping EU competitive, Smart Specialisation has been chosen as ex-ante conditionality and has a central function within the new programming period. Every EU Member State is obliged to design national or regional Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) that highlight its innovative potential. For the purpose of improving the quality of Operational Programmes, all Member States need to undertake ex-ante evaluations prior to starting the implementation. Good understanding and preparation of Smart Specialisation Strategies will generate higher benefits for national and regional stakeholders and entrepreneurs. Attendees will receive first-hand knowledge on how to identify innovation potential of your region in the most effective way;set up and implement a Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) in practice;design a sustainable Regional Innovation Strategy that makes their research institutions and business environment more competitive and open for maximum absorption of different funds and benefits. Speakers:Armin Mahr, Head of Co-ordination EU Cohesion Policy Unit, Federal Ministry of Science and Research, AustriaDr dimitri Corpakis, Head of Unit, Regional Dimension of Innovation, DG Research and Innovation, European CommissionDr Christian Hartmann, Head of Technology, Foresight and Planning Research Group, Joanneum Research, AustriaAdrian Zelaia, Executive President, EKAI Center for Innovating Public Policy, SpainDaniel Hodges, Economic Advisor for Innovation, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, United KingdomRaune Hermans, Head of Unit, Strategic Intelligence Unit, Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation, Finland