This year's event served as the meeting point for economic development experts and EU initiatives and calls. It was the ideal chance to receive practical views and get the most of ongoing and upcoming opportunities that are to be released in the next few months.
The event was divided into four different topics. First, we had the pleasure of learning about the New European Bauhaus initiative launched this year by the European Commission. The EU has considered the challenge of climate change as a fundamental axis for its future policies. In this context, the initiative has been launched as the beginning of an innovative co-design process, where it is decisively committed to accessibility, sustainability and investment to achieve the ecological transition. During the session, all the short and long-term opportunities that will be established in this new project were discussed. Among which, the 2021 Prizes applicable until the 31st of May, stood out.
In addition, most of the members of EURADA are involved in interregional initiatives as an engine of economic growth. The Interregional Innovation investment initiative (I3) was explained as a new opportunity that will facilitate co-investments in public-private partnerships in different territories. It was also pointed out how this program will provide financial and advisory support for investments in interregional innovation projects and development of value chains in less developed regions.
A very detailed explanation on the International cooperation and the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) followed. The IURC is a program that provides EU regions with the opportunity to learn and exchange best practices on innovation with Latin American and Chinese regions, among others. Speakers showcased how this strategy optimizes the added value of international cooperation involving cities and regions thereby transforming IURC into a Global Network of reference for urban and regional innovation. Moreover, they explained and encouraged the Development Agencies participating in the conference to apply to its open call before the 31st of May 2021, where cities and regions will be able to cooperate with over 300 local and sub-national governments and their stakeholders.
Finally, the founder of the Innovation Growth Lab explained how several innovation agencies have started embracing serious policy experimentation to increase the impact of their support innovation mechanisms. With new business models and technologies emerging, it becomes crucial for innovation support agencies to constantly adapt and innovate in a way that they provide support. EURADA and Nesta's Innovation Growth Lab explained how they will cooperate to strengthen the experimental capabilities of RDAs and help improve the design of their programs.
Once again, we can confirm the great success of this edition of AGORADA, which had a total of 200 registered participants from all corners of the European continent, also including the American continent.
AGORADA is therefore the stellar moment in which all members participate, collaborate, transfer their knowledge and advance strategies of first importance to regional economic development and innovation. Although the event was held online for the first time in 25 years due to the global pandemic, we have put all our effort and enthusiasm to achieve it!
You can see the website of AGORADA 2021 here.
