The Annual Conference of The Technopolicy Network: exciting program with inspiring speakers!
July 2010 – The Technopolicy Network

The program for the 7th Annual Conference of The Technopolicy Network has been finalized and we are proud to announce many exciting speakers from all around the world! More than 15 nationalities will come together at the end of September in Heidelberg, Germany to discuss the theme “Building A World-Class Knowledge Region”.

The interest for this international conference is far greater than expected, so register now to make sure that you will be part of this world-class event!

For more information, please check our website: www.technopolicy.net/annualconference

EU to take up Transatlantic Innovation initiative
The Technopolicy Network, 20 January, 2010, PV

The EU and the US have established a Transatlantic Innovation Dialogue during the last meeting of the Transatlantic Economic Committee (TEC) on October 2009. This is in line with an initiative by the Technopolicy Network (TPN) to strengthen ties between North America and European countries in the field of innovation. Goal of the Transatlantic Innovation dialogue is to join efforts to stimulate innovation, growth, productivity and entrepreneurial activity between North America and the EU. This includes the sharing of good policy practice and the improvement of the policy environment for innovative activities on both sides of the Atlantic. The EU is currently requesting input to help identify topics for cooperation, of the draft input paper (please follow this link to EU site). Comments can be submitted through their website up until 29 January.

The initiative follows upon the first international conference on Transatlantic Innovation in June 2009, by The Technopolicy Network. The Technopolicy Network aims to continue its Transatlantic Activities in 2010, planning a second Transatlantic Innovation expert meeting in Canada in June and starting up a Transatlantic Innovation Intermediary network in collaboration with Innovation America. To read about current developments, concerning this event, please make sure to visite our website regularly.

Additional information:
Commission reaches out to stakeholders to flesh out the Transatlantic Innovation Dialogue: link
Request for Comments on Priorities for the Transatlantic Innovation Dialogue: link
Program Helsinki 2009 “Organizing Transatlantic Innovation”: link
Technopolicy’s Regional services for Transatlantic Innovation: link

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City of Delft delegation to visit Helsinki
The Technopolicy Network, 20 January, 2010, PV

On 13 and 14 January a delegation headed by Technopolicy Network (TPN) advisory board member and vice-Mayor of Delft Ronald Vuijk visited the City of Helsinki in order to further strengthen the ties between the two TPN member regions. The delegation, further consisting of Delft University of Technology secretary Hans Krul, Science Port Holland director Willem Trommels and head of economic affairs Wilbert Hoondert were received by the Mayor of Helsinki and TPN advisory board member Eero Holstila. The Delft delegation visited Europe’s largest Science Park organisation Technopolis Group and learned about the use of the city as a living laboratory. The City of Helsinki has been declared World Design Capital 2012 and puts particular effort in connecting its innovative economy with culture and design.

Ronald Vuijk is convinced that both cities have important knowledge to share as there are many similarities: Both have a particular fondness of culture. In the year 2000, Helsinki was designated the European Capital of Culture, and appointed the World Design Capital 2012. On a somewhat more modest scale, Delft has been appointed the Art City of the Netherlands 2010. Delft is also in the race to be appointed the European Capital of Culture 2018. Both cities are home to many knowledge institutes, including trend-setting universities. For many years, Delft has pursued a policy which encourages a strong focus on creating employment in the field of knowledge economy. Which shows parallels to Helsinki’s thriving knowledge economy.

Additional information:
Speech of Ronald Vuijk upon reception by the Mayor of Helsinki: link
Ronald Vuijk on Twitter: link