Stakeholders and policy makers gathered in Brussels from 24^th to 26^th September to participate in the R&I (Research and Innovation) Days and share their views on the co-design process for the next framework programme.

The three days event featured several interactive sessions discussing among others digitalisation, innovation and energy-related challenges.

Sector coupling and the lack of awareness at both political and consumers level were two of the main topics discussed in the panel ‘Technological leadership in renewables and energy efficiency’. The discussion involved local and national authorities and Brussels-based associations.

The newly elected MEP (member of the European Parliament) Jutta Paulus stressed the need for urgent action and the need for a carbon budget. 1.5 degrees is an achievable target, but we must take concrete actions now to achieve it.

Jutta Paulus @GreensEFA stresses the need for urgent actions “we have the technologies, we need to do more on #energyEfficiency and #renewables” #RiDaysEU pic.twitter.com/UAREhIrs46

— Solar Heat Europe (@SolarHeat_EU) September 24, 2019

About the R&I days

European Research and Innovation Days is the first annual policy event of the European Commission, bringing together stakeholders to debate and shape the future research and innovation landscape.

The event was central to find research and innovation solutions for this great transition by working across polices, setting the direction, spurring innovation and triggering investment. It was the moment for all stakeholders to meet and co-create the strategic priorities for the European Commission’s investment in research and innovation. The policy conferences and the co-design sessions were meant to provide specific discussion spaces focused on outstanding issues relevant for the elaboration of Horizon Europe first strategic plan.

The 2019 European Research and innovation Days provided opportunities for stakeholders to come together, deepen the dialogue and work across sectors and disciplines to help plan Horizon Europe’s implementation. This sessions enabled the Commission to receive focused feedback on R&I policy issues and take into consideration the preferences shown by participants and new ideas in the orientation of the strategic plan.