Wanted: Capital of Innovation

Nieuws | de redactie
3 september 2013 | It’s urban areas that contribute most to Europe’s innovation. The European Commission spurs the competition between cities by awarding the most outstanding one with the greatest honour plus €500.000.

Which op Europe’s many dynamic, charming and lively cities will become the first ‘Capital of Innovation’? The European Commission awards a nice prize for the one city in Europe with the best innovation ecosystem.

The ‘Capital of Innovation’ will be the city which best connects citizens, public organisations, academia, and business. Given that 68% of the EU population now lives in urban areas, it is these areas that will contribute the most to making Europe more innovative. 

Deadline for applications: 3 December

Cities foster innovation in their own provision of services, but the key is to create the right environment for others to innovate and to allow the public and private spheres to connect. An independent panel of experts will select the winner in spring 2014, with the city chosen receiving €500.000 towards scaling up its efforts. The deadline for applications is 3 December 2013.

Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, said: “Cities are the engines of the European economy. Seven out of 10 Europeans live in an urban area, and these regions generate two thirds of EU GDP. We want to encourage cities to raise their game when it comes to innovation, and create a network of cities which can share their best ideas for the future.”

Achievements ánd future plans

Cities will be judged both on initiatives and achievements until now, as well as their future ideas to enhance innovative capacity. They will have to demonstrate that they are following a comprehensive strategy that is:

  • Innovative – in terms of concepts, processes and tools.
  • Inspiring – with the aim of attracting talent, funding, investment and citizens’ involvement and engagement.
  • Integrated – demonstrating links with the goals of the Europe 2020 strategy, namely smart, sustainable and inclusive growth across Europe.
  • Interactive – building a community for innovation within the city and with other cities.

The contest is open to cities in any EU Member State or country associated to the EU’s research framework programme. The award is for cities with over 100.000 inhabitants and for initiatives that have been running since at least 1 January 2010. In countries where there is no city with more than 100.000 inhabitants, the largest city is eligible to apply.

Candidate cities should visit the iCapital award website for information and rules and conditions. Questions about applications can also be sent to: rtd-i-capital@ec.europa.eu.

 


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