EIT Manufacturing delivers the third edition of the RIS Best Practice Classes on Innovation Policy for Authorities in collaboration with TÜBİTAK

In a concerted effort to enhance the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovation policies in the manufacturing sector, EIT Manufacturing, in collaboration with the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK), organised the third edition of the Best Practice Classes on Innovation Policy for Authorities. This tailor-made training, held from 20 to 22 December 2023 in a virtual format, brought together key experts and authorities to share best practices and insights. The training provided an analysis of different perspectives on innovation policies in order to create a holistic approach as well as a comprehensive toolbox of possible instruments.

More than 60 participants from Turkish public institutions attended the workshops of the Best Practice Classes, including representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change, as well as other regional and national public institutions, such as the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, the Turkish Standards Institution, the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye and representatives from universities.

The training was held over the course of three days, covering a range of topics crucial for innovation policy in the manufacturing sector. The workshops included six sessions, each addressing specific aspects.

The first workshop, “Leading Innovation in the Manufacturing Sector,” kicked off with introductory remarks from Dr. Konstantinos Georgoulias, Director of European Affairs and RIS, EIT Manufacturing and Çağrı Yıldırım, Head of the EU Framework Programmes Department, TÜBİTAK. The sessions delved into strategies, methodologies, and initiatives developed by EIT and Dr. Niki Kousi, Managing Director of EIT Manufacturing South East, who highlighted the importance of cross-regional innovation ecosystems, including collaborations with national and regional authorities. Moreover, skills for industry and the importance of alliances in the manufacturing sector were also addressed.

The second workshop, “Accelerating the Twin Transition,” focused on boosting both the digital and green transitions in the manufacturing sector, while the third and final workshop, “Strengthening Innovation Ecosystems,” explored knowledge transfer within innovation ecosystems.

The workshops were organised by the RIS Team of EIT Manufacturing, in particular, by the RIS Collaboration Managers Marta Molinero and Cristina Dans, and TÜBİTAK representative Merve Aydemir Aydın, National Contact Point European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).

The sessions featured 16 prominent speakers, including representatives from the European Commission, the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), EIT Manufacturing, and other key industry and education players from Estonia, Portugal, Sweden and Türkiye who all shared examples of best practices in the manufacturing sector.

Participants gained valuable insights into diverse topics, such as the role of EIT and EIT Manufacturing, digital and green transition strategies, and tools for strengthening innovation ecosystems. Certificates of participation were awarded to attendees upon successful completion of a competencies assessment, solidifying their expertise in innovation policy for the manufacturing sector.