On 8-9 October 2019, the IUC programme’s third (and final) region-to-region meeting will convene in Brussels (Belgium). There, Latin American regions will join their European counterparts to present the results of their regional cooperation.

Twenty Latin American regions from six countries will present the lessons learned about joint work in areas such as innovation, smart specialisation, value chains, industrial modernisation, renewable energy, agri-food chains, tourism, and sustainable development. The results of these cooperations are specific, including how to prioritise their work, details of joint action plans, financing measures, and delivery timelines.

Pairings will present their results under two themes: sustainability and innovation in natural resource management; and industry modernisation and innovation. Presentations will outline the purposes of their joint work, the activities defined and their implementation, the pilot projects carried out, the results of the cooperation, lessons learned, and the future of each pairing.

These presentations will preface a discussion on future innovation in the regions; lessons for regional and national innovation; and crafting regional development policies together with other national and regional authorities.

IUC region-to-region cooperation is rooted in fostering innovation. As such, the event’s second day is jointly organised with the European Commission’s Research Centre, and will explore the “Research and Innovation Smart Specialization Strategy.” The strategy, considered essential for the development of cooperation between regions, builds on local strengths and promotes inclusive dialogue, as well as boosting regions to join and compete in global innovation chains.

As this event is the last IUC region-to-region meeting, it presents an opportunity to reflect on the intense work done throughout the year. In total, more than 200 people were involved in cooperation, 40 missions were undertaken, and great advances were realised in international cooperation between regions.

Header image by IUC-LAC