The document discusses water innovation and its role in addressing challenges related to EU water legislation, such as safe water systems and promoting a water bio-based economy. It emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between research and innovation to create value and encourages collaboration among research centers, industry, and society. Additionally, it highlights the need for adaptive solutions that align with Sustainable Development Goals and climate change efforts.

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WATER INNOVATION: BRIDGING GAPS,
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
27 AND 28 SEPTEMBER 2017
ALFÂNDEGA PORTO CONGRESS CENTRE
INNOVATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING EU WATER
LEGISLATION
JOSE SALDANHA MATOS
PRESIDENT, EUROPEAN WATER
ASSOCIATION

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CHALLENGES FOR INNOVATORS AND SOCIETY-SOME DOMINANT EWA TOPICS:
 Safe and resilient water systems and services ( undestanding and controlling
emerging pollutans, assessing and managing risks associated with natural or man
made hazards,….)
 Water bio-based economy (promoting circularity-reuse, recycling, water-food
and water-energy nexus and interactions), but also business models,
competetiveness, wise governance
 Ecossystem sustainability and services and the real value of water
 Transversal concern: Bridging the gap between research and innovation-creating
value and development from research.

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I 3 : INNOVATION, INTELLIGENCE AND INCLUSIVNESS
Embebbing Intelligency in the systems and solutions ( “Doing more with
less”) based on innovative knowledge, and including people in the
solutions- needs and wills)
Crucial role of knowledge for creating value

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 Networking and alignment- Joining wills and competences for creating value (
Research centers- Industry - Society).
 Understanding the World, and expanding the market and adaptative solutions
for the benefit of All – Challenges of SDG and Paris Agreement for Climate
Change are huge opportunities …….).