Can Regions Save European Research & Innovation?

In this episode of the Insider Podcast, Ricardo Migueis and Pirita Lindholm discuss the critical role of regions in shaping European research and innovation. They explore the challenges and opportunities within the innovation landscape, emphasizing the importance of place-based approaches and collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The conversation highlights the mission of ARIN, the significance of grassroots initiatives, and the need for effective frameworks to support regional ecosystems in addressing societal challenges and enhancing competitiveness on a global scale. In this conversation, Ricardo Migueis and Pirita Lindholm discuss the critical themes of resilience in renewable energy, the importance of digital sovereignty, and the interconnected challenges faced by regions in Europe. They explore the need for coherent policies that support green and digital transformations, the role of innovation ecosystems, and the significance of skills development in bridging the innovation divide. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of balancing local strengths with EU priorities and preparing for future discussions on these pressing issues.

Takeaways

• Regions play a crucial role in European research and innovation.
• A place-based approach is essential for effective innovation.
• ARIN connects over 120 regional organizations to foster collaboration.
• Diversity in regional capacities presents both challenges and opportunities.
• Fragmentation in research and innovation can hinder progress.
• Collaboration across ecosystems is vital for addressing complex challenges.
• Measuring the impact of ecosystems is necessary for accountability.
• Grassroots innovations can influence European policy discussions.
• The future of FP10 must prioritize regional engagement.
• Local voices are essential in shaping EU research and innovation policies. Building resilience in renewable energy is essential.
• Green and digital transformations are priorities for regions.
• Digital technology is crucial for accelerating the green transition.
• Policy coherence is necessary for effective energy transformation.
• Multi-level governance is vital for successful strategy implementation.
• Interconnected challenges require collaborative solutions across regions.
• Widening innovation is important for non-widening regions.
• Skills development is key to addressing the innovation divide.
• Balancing local strengths with EU priorities is a significant challenge.
• Storytelling is an effective way to engage audiences in discussions.

Chapters

00:00: Introduction to European Research and Innovation Challenges

03:00: The Role of Regions in Innovation Ecosystems

05:10: Understanding ARIN's Mission and Membership

08:53: Place-Based Approaches in Research and Innovation

12:03: Navigating Diversity in Regional Innovation

14:55: Addressing Fragmentation in Research and Innovation

18:10: Collaboration Across Ecosystems

21:04: Measuring Impact of Ecosystems

23:59: Closing the Innovation Gap with Global Competitors

26:48: Grassroots Innovations and Policy Influence

30:10: The Future of FP10 and Regional Engagement

33:02: The Importance of Local Voices in EU Policy

35:55: Challenges Facing European Research and Innovation

47:09: Building Resilience in Energy and Technology

50:01: Understanding Digital Sovereignty

53:21: Interconnected Challenges in Regional Development

54:48: Widening Innovation and Skills Development

58:10: Balancing Local Strengths with EU Priorities

01:03:33: Preparing for Future Discussions