The Value of Innovation for Sustainability - by Mikel Landabaso, EU Joint Research Centre
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Testimonial
By: Mikel Landabaso,
Director for Fair and Sustainable Economy at the EU Joint Research Centre
As we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of EBN, it is essential to reflect on the evolution and future direction of regional innovation policies in Europe. Over the decades, the approach to fostering innovation has significantly transformed from a top-down model to a more inclusive, partnership-driven strategy that actively involves the private sector. This shift is crucial in addressing the dual digital and green transitions and ensuring that regions do not fall into new layers of disparity
The Imperative for Systems Change
Looking forward, the necessity for systems change becomes apparent. We must adopt a new way of thinking that leads to co-benefits through experimentation and place-based transformative innovation policies. The recent Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRI) pilot is an exemplary initiative that showcases the potential of such approaches. The lessons learned from it can guide us in better coordinating massive investments to steer development towards long-term societal well-being.
Addressing Global Trends with Territorial Innovation
Global trends such as deglobalisation, geopolitical uncertainty, and rapid technological advancements, including AI, present both challenges and opportunities for regional innovation. Territories play a pivotal role in reactivating industrial policy and promoting strategic autonomy. This involves integrating system-level innovation and transformative policies that encompass multiple levels of governance, as outlined by scholars such as Geels and the OECD. The JRC is currently launching an exploratory project to develop a new quantitative model based on system dynamics principles that could quantify the economic benefits of transformative innovation policies.
Enhancing Coordination and Mobilisation for the Green Transition
The call for system-wide change includes mobilising and coordinating policy areas and funds beyond mere innovation. It requires a whole-of-government approach, integrating supply and demand-side policies, and addressing the role of places in implementing EU policies. The goal is to enhance the directionality of regional R&I investment and policies, as seen in initiatives like the Regional Innovation Valleys framework, which aims to foster connected regional innovation ecosystems across the EU. Special emphasis is placed on the EU’s green transition, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, increase global food security, master the digital transformation, improve healthcare, and achieve circularity. These objectives align with the broader European Green Deal, which seeks to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
Regional Innovation Valleys: A Network of Excellence
The Regional Innovation Valleys initiative is a flagship effort under the New European Innovation Agenda aimed at bridging the innovation divide and fostering connected regional innovation ecosystems. Over 55 regions with an EU|BIC presence are part of this ambitious framework, leveraging the strengths of their local ecosystems to enhance innovation capacity and competitiveness. These valleys serve as hubs of excellence, where collaboration between public and private sectors, academia, and civil society drives transformative innovation. The EU|BICs play a critical role in these regions, acting as catalysts for growth by providing essential support services to startups and SMEs, facilitating access to funding, and promoting international collaboration. The focus on green transition is particularly significant, as these valleys are expected to spearhead initiatives that align with the EU’s sustainability goals.
The Story of Partnerships for Regional Innovation
The journey of Partnerships for Regional Innovation (PRI) began with the launch of the Playbook in May 2022, followed by the start of the PRI Pilot Action with 74 participants. This initiative emphasizes the importance of place-based innovation policies, sharing best practices, and building a toolbox of strategies to support regional innovation. The updated ACTIONBook, released in December 2023, further enriches this initiative with refined processes and activities, with a strong focus on sustainable development and green and digital innovation. We plan to continue the journey with an upcoming EU preparatory action, supported by the European Parliament to be launched in fall. There, we will work together with territories in increasing awareness, build capacity for the development of place-based transformative innovation policies and experiment in practice such approaches with selected territories.
As we look ahead to 2024 and beyond, it is crucial to continue fostering a systems change mindset within our regional innovation ecosystems. By leveraging the insights gained from initiatives like the PRI pilot, we can better address global challenges and enhance the resilience and competitiveness of our regions.
Our mission commitment to quality business support, regional development, and sustainable innovation is enhancing the competitiveness of European enterprises and contributing to the overall cohesion of European regions and the well-being of their societies.
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