The Week of Innovative Regions in Europe (WIRE) brings together regional, national and European innovation experts and stakeholders, including public organisations, policymakers, research communities, enterprises and non-governmental organisations to exchange views on the role of research and innovation in solving societal challenges. This annual conference is always hosted in a region chosen by the EU Member State providing the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).

WIRE is financed under the Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation part of Horizon 2020, the EU’s research and innovation programme. This year, the Directorate-General of Research and Innovation of the European Commission will co-organise the event with the North-East Regional Development Agency (ADR Nord-Est) of Romania in the framework of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU. The conference will take place 26-28 June in Iasi, Romania.

Participants will explore options for advancing research and innovation policies to address the challenges societies are facing today.

The 3 main topics throughout the conference will be:

• From regional excellence to European and Global value chains
• Innovation from economic transformation
• Higher education for innovation