Press Releases

9. 1. 200810:35

Innovation Forum, January 10, 2008:

In November last year, the Czech Prime Minister unveiled a project called VIVAT, which is focused on support for science, innovation, research, applications and technology. Innovation Forum 2008, held under the auspices of the Czech Premier, will take place on January 10, 2008 within the framework of the VIVAT project. It will be devoted to the system of support for research and innovation, assessment of research and its Government support, financing methods, elimination of barriers to efficient cooperation between research institutions and the business sector, and creation of a favourable environment conducive to research, development and innovation. The gathering and discussions at the Innovation Forum 2008 will be attended by almost 100 leading innovation actors in the Czech Republic, coming from the academic, industrial and public administration sectors.
The keynote speeches to be delivered by Premier Mirek Topolánek and First Deputy Chairwoman of the Council for Research and Development Miroslava Kopicová will be devoted to the current Government research and innovation policies, to the prepared changes in the Government’s support for research and development, and to the ongoing and scheduled fundamental reforms in the system of education.
The gathering will be also addressed by distinguished foreign guests noted for their rich experience in the sphere of innovation support. The first of them is Mr. Rudolf Haňka, Professor at Cambridge University, where he has been working for more than 30 years in leading posts. His name is associated with the so-called Cambridge phenomenon when more than 250 innovation companies were established around Cambridge University.
Another foreign speaker will be Mr. Ken Guy who was an advisor to many governments on issues of national research and innovation policies and who is also involved in formulating European research and innovation policies.
An analytical overview of the Czech Republic’s innovation performance will be presented in her speech by Mrs. Anna Kadeřábková, Director of the Centre of Economic Studies of VŠEM.
These keynote speeches will be followed by discussions in specialized sections focused on the following subjects:
- Evaluation of Government Support for Research and Innovation
- Research and Innovation at Universities and Research Institutes and Cooperation with the Business Sector
- Corporate Research and Innovation
- Human Resources for Research and Innovation
- Regional Aspects of Research and Innovation
- Strategy for the Use of the Structural Funds and their Coordination in Support for R+D

Conclusions from the individual sections and recommendations for further proceedings (expansion of topics, formation of groups on selected subjects, draft legislative arrangements etc.) will be presented at the final plenary session. The Innovation Forum 2008 will mark the beginning of a process involving the broad professional public in supporting the innovation systems of the Czech Republic and initiating changes aimed at fostering that process.

Innovation Forum 2008 – Programme:
10.00 Opening
Presented by Miroslava Kopicová

10.00 – 10.20 Innovation as a Topic in the Czech Republic’s Development Strategy, Main Priorities in the Support for Research and Innovation
Miroslava Kopicová

10.20 – 10.30 Introductory Words
Martin Říman, Ondřej Liška

10.30 – 11.00 Positive Environment and Development of Innovation
Rudolf Haňka

11.00 – 11.20 Competitiveness Yearbook for 2007
Anna Kadeřábková

11.20 – 11.50 Challenges to Innovation Policy
Ken Guy

11.50 – 12.30 Opening work in sections / discussions
Introduction: Miroslava Kopicová
A / Evaluation of Government Support for Research and Innovation
Presented by Petr Sáha
B / Research and Innovation at Universities and Research Institutes and Cooperation with the Business Sector
Presented by Vladimír Mařík
C / Corporate Research and Innovation
Presented by Jiří Rusnok
D / Human Resources for Research and Innovation
Presented by Petr Matějů;
E / Regional Aspects of Research and Innovation / Regional Innovation System
Presented by Petr Adámek F / Strategy for the Use of the Structural Funds and their Coordination in Support for R+D
Presented by Petr Zahradník

13.30 – 15.00 Work in sections / further discussions and draft conclusions

15.20 – 16.00 Plenary session / conclusions, draft measures
Presented by Miroslava Kopicová
Final speech
Mirek Topolánek