In the light of the traditional focus on technological innovation and economic valuation, innovation policy's current set of instruments proves inadequate for fostering social innovation with a social impact. As a result, a critical evaluation and adjustment of the current mix of innovation policy measures becomes inevitable. On 1 December, you can join the debate with international experts, representatives of the European Commission and Flemish innovation actors and experts at the Seminar on Social Innovation hosted by the EWI Department and IWT Agency. Full programme and registration form can be found at the EWI website.
EWI focus 7 workshop on Science and Poverty on 5 December 2011
This new EWI focus workshop allows us to explore the relation between science and poverty reduction from a policy perspective. Of course, a science of poverty reduction is already in place, but what role can "hard" sciences play in the fight against poverty? And how can policy take advantage of this?
On 5 December, we will study some projects in European context together with Marc Goffart of the European Commission and we will give the floor to Jan Vranken who is poverty expert and emeritus professor at OASeS. We invited Frederik van Hauwaert of the "Flemish network of organisations where the poor can speak up", to exchange field experiences with us. Magda De Meyer, Deputy Head of Minister Lieten’s Office will give a presentation on Flemish policy perspectives. By way of conclusion, a panel discussion will be held and the audience will be invited to participate in a Questions & Answers session. More information is available at the EWI website.
Symposium on the Flemish Platform for European programmes on 9 January 2012
The Flemish Platform for European programmes, in short EU Platform, is a partnership between government actors and other actors in Flanders, in the field of research, (technological) development and innovation (R&D&I). The purpose of this platform is to optimise both the Flemish involvement and position in European R&D&I policy issues and the Flemish participation in European R&D&I programmes. With this symposium on 9 January 2012, the Flemish Platform for European programmes, in short EU Platform, intends to focus on giving (further) greater publicity to and networking within the EU Platform.
Inaugural meeting of the Industrial Council on 25 November 2011
Industry itself plays a key role in the success of the New Industrial Policy. Therefore, when preparing the White Paper on a New Industrial Policy, the Government of Flanders decided on the establishment of an Industrial Council, which has the remit to support and advise the Inter-ministerial Committee for Industry (ICI). As the Industrial Council is composed of internationally renowned and active industrial experts, it is a unique opportunity to receive advice on the attention that should be paid to industry in policy decisions and to achieve the transformation of the economy in Flanders. On Friday 25 November 2011, the inauguration of the Industrial Council takes place.
Report on and reactions regarding the EWI focus 6 workshop on "A Greening Economy"
On 7 September 2011, the EWI Department organised an EWI focus workshop with the aim of stimulating exchange of information and dialogue in preparation of a further implementation of the policy on moving to a Green Economy. The presentations of that day and the report of the debate between the experts and the audience is available at the EWI website.
New publication: The publication "Tussentijdse analyse Vlaamse deelname aan de Europese programma’s voor Onderzoek en Innovatie (2007-2013)" (Interim analysis of Flemish participation in EU programmes for Research and Innovation (2007-2013)) is now available (in Dutch only).
For years now, the Department of Economy, Science and Innovation (EWI) has been following up the Flemish participation in the European Framework Programme. With this publication the EWI Department for the first time draws up an interim analysis of the three EU funding programmes for R&D&I, running between 2007 and 2013: the Seventh Framework Programme (7FP), the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) and the Cohesion Policy.
In addition to the comprehensive analysis of this publication, a leaflet with the key figures of the analysis is available.
Focus on a Figure: 6.1%: More R&D investments by top level companies (2010)
Investments of European top companies in research and development have risen by 6.1% in 2010, compared to 2009. However, this was after R&D investment rates dropped by 2.6% in 2009 in comparison with 2008. In the US, investments in R&D increased more significantly, by 10%. In China, investments increased by a solid 29.5% and in South Korea investments in R&D even rose more sharply, namely by 20.5%. The figures are included in the R&D Investment Scoreboard of the European Commission. This scoreboard inventories how much major European companies invested in R&D, independently of the location of the R&D activity.
