IRE Working Groups

The IRE working groups have been set up to facilitate the exchange and development of knowledge that will enhance European regions’ promotion of innovation. The working groups offer IRE member regions the opportunity to study innovation-related themes over a period of two years, and produce policy recommendations that can be used by other regional innovation policy-makers and practitioners.

Two working groups operated during the period 2004-2006 with a focus on university-industry collaboration and cluster development. Following their success, three new groups have been created for the period 2006-2008. They focus on:

• effective regional innovation systems;
• knowledge transfer between universities and enterprises;
• innovative clusters.

The working groups members – selected following a call for expressions of interest – represent regions with relevant, demonstrable experience in the policy fields the respective group will focus on, and they play a key role in the development and implementation of innovation policy in their regions.

The groups meet three times per year to explore their topic from a specific perspective. Members are expected to contribute actively to the meetings by sharing their experiences and analysing ideas, suggestions and case studies. Dedicated coordinators from the IRE Secretariat organise the working groups’ activities and meetings in collaboration with the member regions.