The Joint Research Centre is contributing to two sessions during the Forum, “Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa Day 2023” on Tuesday 2nd of May and “Implementing national STI4SDG roadmaps – capacity building and Partnership in Action” on Thursday the 4th. The focus of the contributions is based on JRC’s projects on STI for SDGs roadmaps in Africa. More specifically, the work that the JRC has been conducting with six countries in the Sub-Saharan African region by supporting them in developing STI roadmaps aimed at addressing specific sustainability challenges. This methodological approach builds on the JRC’s experience on place-based innovation strategies towards sustainability and it is being further strengthened by the collaboration received by the UN agencies that are working on STI for SDGs.

Under this year’s theme “Science, technology and innovation for accelerating the recovery from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at all levels”, the Forum aims to create a space for the global community to connect. An opportunity for stakeholders to cooperate, network, showcase, share experiences, build strategic alliances, and activate concrete actions to propel Africa’s STI4SDGs priorities.

Note: this is an EC news. Read full article here

The discussion covered the upstream and downstream activities of the process and energy-intensive industries concerning the reliance on strategic raw materials, the energy transition and the circularity challenges.

During the event, European Commission Officials explained the main European policy instruments addressing European Industry challenges: the Green Deal Industrial Plan, Industry 5.0 approach, Transition Roadmap, Technology Demonstrators for Sustainability and the support Instruments to enhance cooperation among Regional Innovation Valleys.

The Asturian process industry innovation ecosystem was presented with the objective to inspire the participating stakeholders. Working sessions followed on the next day, applying the Joint Research Centre’s methodology based on a mission-oriented dynamic. The working group made up of representatives from European territorial authorities and stakeholders of the regional circular and carbon-neutral industry ecosystem, analysed fact sheets on the innovation ecosystem from the regions of the Principality of Asturias, Region Sud-Provence Alpe Cte dAzur (FR), Basque Country (ES), Madrid Region (ES), Province of Limbourg (NL) and Centro Region of Portugal (PT), and identified potential avenues for collaboration making the most of the calls for promoting Connecting Regional Innovation Valley, announced in the event.​​​

Note: this is an EC news. Read full article here

European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said: “Whether near or far, the European Union leaves no one behind. This is what today’s report shows: the European Commission has fully delivered on its commitment to taking into account the specificities of the outermost regions across EU policies. I am most pleased that these regions are now capitalising on their unique assets, as illustrated in today’s report. We are on the right track to turn our strategic partnership into positive change and a better future for our outermost regions.”

Taking into account progress made, the report suggests that further efforts at all levels are required to address climate change, protect biodiversity, introduce circular economy and shift to renewable energy in the outermost regions. Key sectors such as the blue economy also need continuous investment.

Note: this an EC news. Read full article here

The Res2ValHUM project looks to better understand the substances in organic compost. They have developed new mixtures made from green urban residues (such as tree or flower trimmings), manure, algae and worms.

The new compost is already showing strong potential. Based on observations, researchers believe it could be used as a filter for water treatment to remove pollutants, like drugs, that exist in huge amounts in wastewater.

Another team of researchers is analysing the compost’s potential to improve poor agricultural soil. Working in a lab and on a small plantation, the scientists are monitoring how the compost impacts the growth of plants and fungi by testing it on different crops. Results already show that it increases the strength, growth and proliferation of roots and affects fungi.

Research will continue to see how it can be applied at industrial scale.

Source: EFE

The Outermost Regions Forum 2020 is a high-level dialogue platform for the nine outermost regions of the European Union – Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Reunion Island, Saint-Martin (France), the Azores, Madeira (Portugal) and the Canary Islands (Spain), their Member States, the European Union institutions and civil society.

This event brings together the Presidents of the outermost regions, Ministers from their Member States, the Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms and other members of the Commission, stakeholders and experts interested in learning from the experience of these special EU regions.

The Forum will review progress made under the 2017 Communication on a renewed strategic partnership with the EU’s outermost regions, based on the Commission’s implementation report due to be presented on this occasion.

In addition, the Forum will address three major themes for the outermost regions: climate change and biodiversity, circular economy and blue economy.

Discussions will shade light on solutions to develop the outermost regions potential. How can outermost regions capitalise on their unique assets and become frontrunners in adapting to climate change and protecting biodiversity, shaping insular circular economy solutions and developing a sustainable blue economy? The Forum will look at this through the lens of outermost regions’ success stories and challenges, exploring opportunities for these regions to provide innovative solutions to global challenges.

You can participate in the discussions trough Q&A sessions, live interviews, surveys, as well as networking events. When registering, you can have your say on what are the most important topics for the outermost regions and indicate your interest in meeting stakeholders.

This is a paperless Forum. We have taken the engagement to plant a tree per participant to offset flight emissions, and not to use plastics.

We look forward to meeting you at the Forum. As space is limited, we encourage you to register at your earliest convenience!

Interpretation in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish will be provided.

The deadline for registrations is 6 March 2020.

Este informe de análisis comparativo de las Estrategias RIS3 de las regiones que componen el Espacio MAC, se presenta como la base de conocimiento sobre la cual trabajar en el alcance del objetivo general del proyecto RIS3_NET, así como un elemento de partida para el establecimiento de beneficios que aporten a las regiones una cohesión económica, social y territorial.