The Second Knowledge for Innovation Forum of the European Parliament (K4I) is taking place between 11 and 14 October. During these days, the role of innovation in tackling the grand challenges will be at the centre of discussion with stakeholders and policy makers from all over Europe and beyond.

The Second Knowledge for Innovation Forum of the European Parliament (K4I) will be centred on discussions about the role of innovation in tackling the grand challenges faced by the EU, such as changes in climate and demographics, rising energy and food prices as well as increasing global competition.

The Summit takes place only a few days after the publishing of the new innovation strategy for Europe and parallel to the Competitiveness Council in Luxembourg. It provides for a first time the opportunity to discuss in the European Parliament with a variety of stakeholders from all sectors the future orientation Europe is going to take in the field of innovation policy.

A debate will take place on how to achieve Europe’s goal to become a global leader in innovation and how Europe can make innovation partnerships successful. The Summit includes a three-day exhibition in the European Parliament, breakfasts, lunches and dinners, as well as the session “Europe’s Future Nobel Prize Winner”, aiming to raise students’ interest in science and technology careers.

Key objectives of the Second K4I Forum

• Provide a space for debate on the future of innovation in Europe involving Members of the European Parliament and representatives from the other EU institutions and Member States
• Raise awareness and outline the issues relevant to the development of Europe’s knowledge and innovation economy and society among EU policy makers
• Encourage Europe’s Youth to engage in science and technology careers and acquire new skills for new jobs
• Establish a dialogue among innovation practitioners and policy makers and work towards a mutual understanding of goals and needs
• Demonstrate to European policy makers the determination of Europe’s innovation stakeholders to be global leaders

Knowledge for Innovation Forum of the European Parliament (K4I)

The Knowledge for Innovation Forum of the European Parliament, launched in December 2008, is a policy dialogue platform which was designed specifically for policy makers and the business and science communities to effectively introduce their respective agendas and address the most pressing issues concerning the knowledge and innovation community.