What is the Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP)?
The Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP) is a form of cooperation with the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. The platform seeks the exchange of new R&I solutions and best practices, by organizing horizontal-seminars in Brussels and peer-to-peer events in the regions, or hosting local showcasing events. The KEP's flexible cooperation process allows for an efficient dialogue with European cities and regions on research and innovation issues, and an effective transfer of expertise between local innovation ecosystems, including business, universities and the citizens.
Would you like to get involved?
Then come to attend our seminars dedicated to diverse themes of interest for European citizens. You can even suggest a subject for an event to be held in your city/region on timely research and innovation issues.
Simply contact
your representative at the European Committee of the Regions and explain your idea! In fact, our Members regularly organise such events in collaboration with the European Commission.
These activities aim at exchanging new R&I solutions and best practices, and having a dialogue with various stakeholders, including businesses, universities and citizens.
In the framework of the Joint Action Plan adopted in November 2020 with Commissioner Gabriel's services, this project has been upgraded to a strategic level. KEP°2.0 is from now on aligned with the renewed European Research Area initiative and linked to the implementation of the Science meets Regions project. This year, the Platform's activities are expected to be also centred on the Horizon Europe programme's implementation.
KEP activities in 2023
In 2023, the KEP activities cover the two main themes of:
-
Open Science for higher quality, more efficient and impactful research – opportunities for regions and cities
-
Implementation of the New European Innovation Agenda – what is in it for regions and cities?
Two horizontal seminars are organized:
-
the first takes place on 15 June 2023 about Open Science for higher quality, more efficient and impactful research – Opportunities for regions and cities
on CoR premises, in Brussels. (The subject is part of
the EU Swedish Presidency's programme.) You can find further information and the draft agenda on the event's webpage.
The participants of this event will be updated on the state-of-play of the different aspects of Open Science and on how it delivers solutions to major societal challenges. Open Science allows for transparent and more robust research methodologies. It increases the quality and impact of science by fostering its reproducibility and interdisciplinarity. It makes science more efficient through the better sharing of resources, more reliable through better verification and more responsive to society's needs.
Should you wish to participate, please REGISTER HERE in your earliest convenience. (Registration is compulsory for those without an EU badge to access the building.)
(Reimbursement will unfortunately not be possible for this attendance.) Interpretation will be provided in: EN, FR, DE, ES, IT.
We look forward to welcoming you in the audience!
- the second seminar will be held
on 28 September 2023 about the
Regional Innovation Valleys on CoR premises, in Brussels. (The subject is a flagship of
The New European Innovation Agenda) initiative.
Innovation, and in particular its new wave of deep-tech innovation, is the European reply to bring down greenhouse gas emissions, to make our economies more digital and to guarantee Europe's food, energy and raw materials security. The New European Innovation Agenda, adopted on 5 July 2022, aims to position Europe at the forefront of the new wave of deep tech innovation and start-ups. It will help Europe to develop new technologies to address the most pressing societal challenges, and to bring them on the market. Europe wants to be the place where the best talent work hand in hand with the best companies and where deep tech innovation thrives and creates breakthrough innovative solutions across the continent.
Accelerating and strengthening innovation in European Innovation Ecosystems across the EU and addressing the innovation divide will support the creation of regional innovation valleys and help Member States and regions direct at least €10 billion to concrete interregional innovation projects, including in deep-tech innovation for key EU priorities.
KEP activities in 2022
In 2022, the KEP activities covered the two main themes of:
- Synergies, Green and Digital Transitions and the European Missions
- the Youth in Research & Innovation and
European Year of Youth 2022
Two horizontal seminars were organized:
Research and innovation play a key role in responding to our
societal challenges. Their achievements have a
direct impact on people's lives. Involving citizens, especially the youth, is essential to shape R&I's future. It is hence necessary to provide
young generations the opportunity to become engaged. Local and regional authorities play a key role in this process. The workshop aimed to present
concrete projects and experiences from young innovators and entrepreneurs."
KEP activities in 2021
In 2021, the KEP activities covered the following themes:
- The territorial dimension of the European Research Area and the ERA Hubs;
- The green transition and the Recovery & Resilience Plans, as well as Horizon Europe Missions
In 2021, two horizontal seminars were organized (both in a virtual form):
- the first took place as a side event of the European Research and Innovation Days, on 22 June 2021 on the subject of "Regions and cities: role in the new European Research Area and opportunities from Horizon Europe";
- the second was held as a double workshop of the European Week of Regions and Cities on 13 October 2021 about the overall topic of "Science and Innovation for Recovery".
These latter workshops, covering 'Regions boosting the European green recovery' and 'Science for Green Deal - Evidence for policy in regions and cities', were also linked to the Conference on the Future of Europe.