Public ScienceBusiness event in Skopje: The role of Southeast Europe in the European Research and Innovation Area – How to maintain, build, and interconnect the research and innovation infrastructures?

The conference, to be held this autumn at Ss. Cyril and Method University, will highlight the opportunities to strengthen the European Research Area and explore how entities, researchers, and innovators can benefit most from the EU’s research framework based on excellence and respect for differences. We will discuss the maintenance, construction, and integration of Research Infrastructures (RI) into the broader EU RI fleet, aiming to create a unified and cohesive European research environment.

The discussions will highlight the symbiotic relationship between national and European stakeholders, advocating for a shift from mere funding exchange to a model that emphasizes mutual access and strategic partnerships between local and European research infrastructures. Panel discussions will also explore national differences in research and innovation policy and practice across Southeast Europe, highlighting successful strategies and identifying areas for improvement. Another major focus will be how the EU and SEE countries can work together to address the ‘brain drain’ by discussing strategies to make the region more attractive to researchers. These strategies include improving research and innovation facilities, funding opportunities, and collaboration prospects, thereby enhancing multilateral opportunities and improving innovations.

This conference is a forum for discussing policies and best practices and an excellent opportunity to engage with key decision-makers from the EU and Southeastern Europe research and innovation communities. It is a unique platform to debate on the future of European cooperation in these fields and support the EU’s strategic goals of enlargement and integration.

The event is co-organised by the POLICY ANSWERS project which is also powering the Western Balkans Information Hub.

Programme

14.30 Registration and welcome coffee

15.00 Welcome session

Biljana Angelova, Rector, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University

15.10 Spotlight Session: Diversity Delectate

Elke Dall, Senior Researcher and Project Manager, Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI); Coordinator, POLICY ANSWERS Project
Dimitris Koureas, Chief Information Officer and Managing Director, Digital Strategy and Innovation, Naturalis Biodiversity Center

15.55 Panel Session I: Investment into knowledge: How do countries and the EU invest in Research and Innovation?

16.55 Coffee break

17.15 Panel Session II: Access and Brain circulation across the EU: How to Secure the 5th Freedom of Knowledge

Nenad Čelarević, Project Coordinator, Western Balkans ESS Regional Network; Regional Business Development Manager, Helvetas
Siniša Marčić, Senior Expert on Human Capital Development, Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)
Naďa Witzanyová, Senior External Affairs Manager, The Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC

Moderator Aleksandar Stamboliev, Chief Executive Officer, Business Accelerator, UKIM; Community Officer, EIT Community RIS Hub

18.15 Closing session