11th Conference of European Regions and Cities, Salzburg

Sep

27 - 29

2015

In its 10th year of existence the IRE deals with the question of survival strategies for regions and cities in an increasingly globalized world, which will be examined from various aspects during the upcoming 11th Conference of European Regions and Cities. We will particularly focus on regional research and innovation policies, regional energy strategies, regional tourism policies and regional food production.

Apart from the general topic, we will also discuss the currently burning issue of refugees in Europe that has a direct effect on regions and cities.

The conference begins with a discussion on EU enlargement and its impact on the regions and cities. Outstanding speakers and discussants guarantee an exceptional and interesting course of the conference. An extensive program of social activities offers many possibilities for communication and networking.

11th Conference of European Regions and Cities
Economy meets Politics
“Survival strategies for Regions and Citiesin Europe”
September 27th-29th, 2015
Salzburg Congress, Salzburg, Austria

Siegfried Reich, Managing Director of Salzburg Research will participate at the panel discussion “Regional research and innovation projects as strategy for intelligent employment”.
The top priority of the European Commission as described in the investment offensive (also „Juncker Plan“) is to promote growth and job creation without running up new debts. Investments in research and innovation lead to more productivity and growth and will contribute largely to job creation. Intelligent cities and regions need to be the driving force for innovation.
The active participation of European regions is essential in order to increase the performance on research and innovation. However, there are big differences among regions regarding research and innovation activities. The EU regional policy should be focusing more on research and innovation, particularly in rural areas and in regions with ongoing structural weakness. Numerous „Regions of Knowledge“ lead the way; some of them will present their initiatives in this working group.