With the European Commission poised to begin the mid-term evaluation of the Horizon 2020 programme in Autumn 2016 and as the mobility-focused element of the European Research Area (ERA) nears completion, it's the perfect time to consider the next stages for progressing both the ERA and Innovation Union initiatives. 

This conference provides an opportunity for all those involved and interested in knowledge exchange and the commercialisation of science to come together with policymakers and leading thinkers to network, pose questions and debate the future direction of EU science and innovation policy at this important juncture in the reform process. 

In addition to discussing the impact and effectiveness of Horizon 2020 so far, key discussion points will centre around the Commissioner's priorities for the coming years, namely:

• Open Innovation: The proposed development of a European Innovation Council and further steps the Commission can take to improve the flow of venture capital to innovative firms across the EU
• Open science: Further embedding open access, creating an 'open data' culture across European science and introducing a Research Integrity Initiative
• Open to the world: Improving links between EU and non-EU research communities including the use of Horizon 2020 Association Agreements with non-member states. 

The Unitary Patent

A further key focus for discussion and debate on the day will be the introduction of the proposed Unitary Patent for the EU and the effect that this new multinational system may have on Europe's competitiveness as a place to conduct cutting-edge R&D and invest in innovation.

Professor Yann Méniere, Chief Economist, European Patent Office will provide an update on progress towards full implementation.

CENTRAL BRUSSELS VENUE

The venue will be confirmed soon but it will be a very central Brussels location within walking distance of the main rail terminus. 

A CHANCE TO NETWORK

We'll provide ample time for networking before and after the conference with refreshments provided for networking sessions at 9:30-10.00 and 16:00-16.30 and attendees are encouraged to network during the break for lunch. 

Due to the considerable additional costs that would be incurred,no lunch is provided during the lunchtime break but the conference will be held in a very central Brussels location with many restaurants and cafés within walking distance. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

We expect the audience to consist of:

• university leaders, support staff and academics
• IP laywers
• R&D-intensive businesses and industry associations
• learned societies
• academic publishers
• & others interested in the issues being discussed

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS SO FAR:

• Dr Wolfgang Burtscher, Deputy Director-General (Open Innovation, Open Science, Open to the World), Directorate-General Research and Innovation, European Commission
• Kurt Deketelaere, Secretary-General, LERU & Professor of Law, KU Leuven
• Professor Yann Ménière, Chief Economist, European Patent Office
• Dr Lidia Borrell-Damian, Director for Research and Innovation, European Universities Association
• Professor Jerzy Langer, Chair, Future and Emerging Technologies Advisory Group, European Commission & Professor of Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences
• Dr Elena Simperl, Director, ODINE & Associate Professor, Web and Internet Science Group, Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton
• Magda Chlebus, Director, Science Policy, European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations
• Wouter Haak, Vice-President, Research Data Management Solutions, Elsevier
• Dr Nicole Foeger, Chair, European Network of Research Integrity Offices and Head of Administrative Office, Austrian Agency for Research Integrity

Plus, an especially prepared video message from Jerzy Buzek MEP, Chair, Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, European Parliament and former Prime Minister of Poland (1997-2001)

TICKETS

€154.74 (or €103.49 for universities*) Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/science-and-innovation-in-europe-horizon-2020-so-far-completing-the-european-research-area-and-next-tickets-22661572373 (Contact us: [email protected] for universities rate)