1. SMART SPECIALIZATION
THE FUTURE OF EUROPEAN REGIONAL
INNOVATION POLICY
th
Rome, May 30 2011
10:30 - Hilton Hotel Fiumicino Airport
META Group Strategy Lab
Is a small group with an interactive workshop strategy which addresses
civil servants and innovation intermediary company managers, with the
aim to present, analyse and discuss European trends and new scenarios
related to Entrepreneurship and Innovation Policies.

2. SMART SPECIALIZATION: THE FUTURE OF EUROPEAN
REGIONAL INNOVATION POLICY
What is Smart Specialization about?
With the upcoming programming period 2014-2020 at hand, the European
Commission is designing new mechanisms for a more effective allocation of
Structural Funds among European regions.
In particular, the allocation of Innovation Related Structural Fund Resources,
which in the past was connected to the development of a Regional Innovation
Strategy, could be subject to compulsory delivery by the regions of Smart
Specialization Strategies.
Smart Specialization Strategy (S3) is a new concept developed by the DG
Regio, based on the DG Research & Innovation work, aimed at identifying
regional economic niches, being them a recognized excellence in comparison
to other regions, within a specific territory (national or European).
Smart Specialization Strategies could therefore facilitate the channelling of
EU Innovation Structural Funds towards key regional innovation assets,
where existing, therefore maximizing their impact on regional
competitiveness.
Workshop objectives and contents
This unique strategical workshop, aims at providing a preview of European
Regional Innovation trends for the next programming period 2014-2020, by
presenting the concept of Smart Specialization, its potential impact on
regional development trajectories and the chief differences with the previous
strategical approach (Regional Innovation Strategy). Furthermore the scope of
the workshop is to elicit , via expert intermediators, brainstorming sessions
with participants on the possible scenarios for Innovation Intermediaries.
given the new regional development paths that Smart Specialization could
produce, and to give first-hand advice on possible new roles that
intermediaries could assume to support Regional Authorities.
Rome, 30th May 2011

3. SMART SPECIALIZATION: THE FUTURE OF EUROPEAN
REGIONAL INNOVATION POLICY
Teaching methods
Lectures
Discussions with Q & A - sessions
Workshop session
Target group
Directors or Managers of Innovation intermediary organizations such as:
! Regional Development Agencies, Cluster management companies
! Technology Transfer Centres
! Research centres, centres for Excellence
! Business Innovation Centres, Incubators
! Financial Agencies
Why take part in this workshop
Smart Specialization is a brand-new model and could have a strong impact on
European Regional Innovation Systems and their supply subsidiaries . By
attending the workshop participants will:
! Get a preview on new EU Policy approaches for Innovation Policies at
regional level for 2014-2020
! Understand the scope and aims of Smart Specialization Strategy
! Share insights and ideas with colleagues and experts on possible
upcoming scenarios for Innovation Intermediaries
! Have the possibility to prepare for a better positioning of their
organization with regards to negotiating a role with Regional Authorities
! An expansion of their network at international level with colleagues and
Innovation Policy experts
The workshop will also provide for participants a unique opportunity in
response to the following queries:
! How are Structural Funds for innovation going to be channelled to
Regions in the next programming period?
! What are the differences between Regional Innovation (RIS) and Smart
Specialization Strategies (S3)?
! How will Smart Specialization strategies influence regional
development?
! How will Smart Specialization modify the Regional Innovation System
and its supply side?
! What new roles will Innovation Intermediaries and RDAs be asked to
play in the changing Innovation environment?
Rome, 30th May 2011

4. SMART SPECIALIZATION: THE FUTURE OF EUROPEAN
REGIONAL INNOVATION POLICY
Workshop Agenda
10.30 - 11.00 Arrival and Registration
11.00 - 11.45 What Smart Specialization is about
Christian Saublens - EURADA
The session will provide an insight on the concept of S3 and an overview
of its critical success factors. A few examples of S3 will be presented
11.45 - 12.30 The impact of Smart Specialization on regional development
paths and differences with RIS
Andrea Di Anselmo – META Group
The session, starting from the RIS experience will focus on the challenges
of regional knowledge based development. The Impact of S3 on
innovation and competitiveness at regional level will be brought to the
attention of participants for both advanced and cohesion regions. Possible
options for intervention will be highlighted
12.30 - 13.00 How smart specialization could change the role and activities of
regional intermediaries organizations
The current perception of European Innovation Intermediaries concerning
S3 will be presented based on the results of a recent survey done by
EURADA
13.00 - 13.30 Q&A sessions
13.30 - 14.00 Networking Lunch Break
14.00 - 16.30 Interactive session
Participants, will elaborate on the inputs provided and work with
colleagues and experts in the identification of:
- opportunities versus threats for regions and Innovation Intermediaries
- new services for Smart Specialization
16.30 - 17.00 Collection of relevant feedback and closing remarks
Results of the interactive session will be presented, feedback will be
collected from the audience as input for a discussion paper to contribute to
the dialogue with the European Commission on S3
Speakers
Andrea di Anselmo, META Group
Andrea Di Anselmo, is Italian, and is the co-founder and vice president of Meta Group, an
international company, active in the field of Knowledge Based Regional Development. He
has 20 years experience as EC senior advisor and project director, and is an influencial
member of a Board of Directors which attain to several EU level organizations. Recent
activities focus on regional innovation strategies, coordination of initiatives dealing with
financial tools and promotion of entrepreneurship.
Christian Saublens, EURADA
Christian SAUBLENS is Belgian and has an experience of more than 30 years in lobbying
the European Community authorities. He is the Executive Manager of EURADA, the
European Association of Development Agencies. EURADA has approximately 120
members operating in more than 20 countries. He has helped in the creation of EBAN, the
European network promoting informal venture capital. Christian has written several
publications on the impact of EU regulations on regional development and the role of
development agencies in Europe.
Rome, 30th May 2011

5. SMART SPECIALIZATION: THE FUTURE OF EUROPEAN
REGIONAL INNOVATION POLICY
Logistics and organizational details
META Group Strategy Labs are international workshops with a “Fly in, Fly out” based at
the Fiumicino Airport in Rome, for optimizing participants travelling time and costs.
Venue
Hilton Hotel, Fiumicino Airport, Rome
Date of Event
30thMay 2011, Rome
Booking Modalities
It is recommended to book early, as are limited. The deadline for registration is 23th May.
For organisational matters, we kindly ask you to complete the registration form in block
letters.
Workshop Language
The event language will be in English.
Workshop Price
Early buy contingent until the 30th of April 2011:
350 Euro, excl. Italian VAT (20%)
Normal price from the 1st of May 2011:
420,- Euro, excl. Italian VAT (20%)
The above price covers the following:
! Participation in the Strategy lab for the day
! Soft drinks, coffee/tea
! Lunch on event day
! Hand-out documents
Please contact the Sales manager if you wish to apply for a group reduction or if you need additional
information on workshop contents.
Contact details
To register - Secretariat
META Group ltd
Via Luigi Casale, 7, Terni, Italy
Phone: +39 0744 248220
Fax: +39 0744 248046
E-Mail: training@meta-group.com
Internet: www.meta-group.com
For information on workshop contents or group reductions - Sales Manager
Mrs Maria Laura Fornaci
E-mail: ml.fornaci@meta-group.com
Workshop Venue
Hilton Hotel, Fiumicino Airport
Via Arturo Ferrarin 2, Fiumicino (RM)
Phone: +39 06 6525 6057
Fax : +39 06 6525 6652
E-Mail: cb.romeairport@hilton.com
Internet: www.hilton.com
Please contact the hotel directly if you wish to prolong your stay for the week end. As there
is an agreement with the hotel for a special price reserved for the workshop participants,
make the booking referring to the META Group. It is advisable to book as soon as possible.
It is also possible to book an alternative hotel. META Group secretariat is also available for
finding alternative accommodations in Rome.
Rome, 30th May 2011