'The Vilnius Innovation Forum 'Innovation Drift' is designed to create a European platform for high-level discussions about the importance of innovation and science and business co-operation, as well as to highlight innovation as the main driving force for economic growth, job creation and welfare of Europe', says Evaldas Gustas, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania.
Timothy Berners−Lee, who is one of the most important figures of the 20th century, is the man who has changed the life of the entire world and is best known for inventing of the World Wide Web. Sir T. Berners−Lee will open the Vilnius Innovation Forum with an inspiring address on innovativeness and entrepreneurship in the global world.
Innovation leaders and experts from the business, science and public sectors of Lithuania and other EU countries will discuss EU competitiveness and the role of small and medium-sized business in creating an innovative Europe as well as share good practices and have a matchmaking possibility. The inspiring speakers and moderators will offer useful insights to Forum participants.
The most successful business representatives of eco-innovations will share their experience; the moderators of women entrepreneurship enhancement and the business start-ups sessions will run lively discussions. Moreover, the Forum participants will have a possibility to opt for the most informative, innovative and interactive sessions of the two-day programme. The science and technology exhibition will complement the discussions; on the third day, the foreign participants will be invited to visit the most innovative companies of Lithuania.
Registration to the Vilnius Innovation Forum 'Innovation Drift' is available at www.vif2013.com.
The Vilnius Innovation Forum 'Innovation Drift', which is expected to be among the leading events in the EU during the Lithuanian Presidency, is planned to convene 600 participants from different countries of Europe.
The Vilnius Innovation Forum 'Innovation Drift' is supported from the European Regional Development Fund.
More Forum-related information
On 4-6 December, the first Vilnius Innovation Forum 'Innovation Drift' will take place to host a two-day conference, a networking event and a science and technology exhibition.
The event will bring together the ministers of 9 Baltic Sea Region countries, representatives of the European Commission, business and science leaders, innovators and experts.
During the Forum, the launching event of the largest EU research and innovation programme HORIZON 2020 will be held with the budget of around EUR 80 billion. Under this programme, all innovation segments – from idea to the market – will be funded in conformity to 3 evaluation criteria, including high quality scientific research, competitive industry and benefits for the society.
The main topics of the Vilnius Innovation Forum "Innovation Drift" include:
• European innovation policy and expectations from the new financial perspective HORIZON 2020,
• SMEs role in creating innovative Europe,
• Startups and entrepreneurship,
• Eco-innovations and green business models,
• Public and private partnership,
• Competitiveness of companies and development of clusters,
• Developing innovation eco-systems,
• Measuring innovation in small regions.
The participation is free with advance registration required. The event is designed for business representatives.
More information is available at: http://www.vif2013.com/
