Connecting Research with Industry in Italy and the UK
18 - 19 April 2007

Background

In the past decades, owing to the strengthening of global competition, growing emphasis has been put on concepts such as knowledge economy, innovation, technology transfer, competitiveness and productivity.

Recent analyses show how leading European economies have been falling behind the US in terms of productivity growth in the last ten years.

In the search for greater competitiveness and higher performance, the European Union has paid considerable attention to these topics and is actively promoting the development of Europe as a knowledge-based economy.

In the UK various organisations have actively striven to improve the country’s competitive position, achieving significant improvements. However, global competitiveness reports show that substantial progress could still be made.

In Italy, while large companies have often not succeeded in achieving international competitiveness, small and medium sized enterprises, frequently organised in clusters and specialised in quality goods, have traditionally flourished.

Both countries have been undertaking a wide range of initiatives focused on the links between research and industry, with the aim of translating science knowledge into successful products and services.

This conference will provide an overview and analysis of the current issues, future challenges and trends in relation to the links between research and industry, with a particular focus on technology, knowledge transfer and innovation.

Presentations will discuss business models and best practices developed in Italian and British organisations, with particular focus on challenges, opportunities, and the possibility to transfer key lessons to different contexts.

This event will compare relevant experiences and models in the relationship between research and industry, resulting in improved communication and cooperation between leading British and Italian organisations.

Conference speakers will be senior representatives of research institutes, industrial clusters, technological districts, technology parks, business incubator centres, high performing companies, development agencies and government bodies.

The conference will address the following questions:

• How can connections between research institutes and industry lead to improvements in competitiveness and productivity?
• How can national and regional policies contribute to the development of these links?
• Which business models are currently being developed and used in Italy and the UK
• What are the main challenges, opportunities and trends?
• What can we learn and transfer from practices developed in other contexts?
• What relationships could be established and fostered between British and Italian organisations

Organisers: