Organisation and documentation of "European Innovation Weeks"

The organisation of “European Innovation Weeks” shall be undertaken by one consortium that brings together partners from a minimum of six regions from different Member States that will each organise an innovation week. At least two events should be organised in 2009.

The “European Innovation Weeks” shall consist of a series of actions that will showcase the innovation excellence in a city or region, based on a common concept and using a common logo and communication strategy.

The “European Innovation Weeks” shall include all innovation stakeholders in a city or regi on, including public administration, large businesses, SMEs, universities, schools and colleges, public and private research organizations, NGOs, clusters organisations, business associations and others.

The organisers of the “European Innovation Week” shall mobilise to the widest possible extent these stakeholders to present excellence in innovation and to engage into a dialogue with citizens.

The organisation of “European Innovation Weeks” may include the following activities:

• Preparatory and mobilisation activities: Stakeholder and citizen's groups in a city or region should be actively involved in the planning, organisation and implementation of the “European Innovation Weeks”. In preparation of the events, dedicated media campaigns in TV, newspapers and radio should be organised, aiming at the widest possible public attention. Furthermore, meetings and brainstorming sessions with stakeholders should be organised and information material prepared. These mobilisation activities should be supported by the development of a common logo and other communication tools to build a strong regional innovation identity.
• Organisation of an innovation week: Open events organised in a city or regions are the core of the “European Innovation Weeks”. These events shall encourage citizen to experience innovation and to participate actively in discussions. The presented showcases of excellence should provide the region with the possibility to build a strong “innovation identity“ that can be further valorised in the future. There is no proposed format for the local events. They should however be designed to attract the largest possible number of citizens in central places in a city or region and receive full political support. A strong presence from partners from other regions shall be ensured to give them a European or international dimension.
• Communication and documentation activities: A local media partnership shall be established to promote and communicate all activities during the preparat ion and execution of the “European Innovation Weeks”. This media partnership shall document and present identified showcases of excellence in innovation and role models both in print media and multimedia formats, including brochures, flyers, video clips, virtual guides to regional innovation actors, etc. To this end, a specific website shall be established and maintained for a suitable duration.