EU open to the World: cities as actors of open innovation

The event is an interactive discussion on actions and financing mechanisms for research and innovation (R&I) for and with cities, placing emphasis on how international cooperation in the field of sustainable urbanisation can support the implementation of a Global Urban Agenda. The event will showcase how science diplomacy with key global partners allow the European Union R&I to play a pivotal role in promoting a systemic city ecosystem approach where the innovation glue can link together all the different pieces of the urban puzzle. R&I will be presented as a means of implementation of the SDG 11 'Make Cities Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable' by providing the knowledge, open data and evidence base to inform decisions on key investments in cities. The event will bring together policy-makers, scientists, innovators and city authorities from different European and international contexts. Citizen Bloggers from the municipalities of Dresden, Stockholm, Budapest, Brighton and Genk will be also involved to give a snapshot on the most interesting urban transition initiatives that are ongoing at the local level. Key Objectives: - Present R&I for and with cities as a means of implementation, monitoring and assessment of the Global Urban Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Disaster Risk Reduction Framework. - Showcase how EU R&I is fostering international cooperation with key partner countries through the Belmont Forum and related activities of the EU-China Urban Partnership and the EU-Brazil sector Dialogue on Sustainable Cities and Nature-based solutions. - Discuss the role of the Joint Programming Initiative Urban Europe and the European Capital of Innovation Award as instruments to praise holistic visions of urban innovation, looking in particular at governance, economics, social inclusion, and quality of life.