1. Innovation evaluation activities 2010
DG REGIO Evaluation Unit plans to look more closely on the innovation theme this year. In particular we would like to gather and analyse evaluations that Member States and regions undertook on their innovation activities up to now, and to know about evaluations to be launched in 2010 and 2011 on this topic. In view of a discussion, could you identify some completed, on-going or planned evaluations of innovation activities in your Member States or regions and send us the information in advance of the meeting? We would also like to work more closely with Member States or regions having a particular interest in evaluating innovation and exploring various methods. Your ideas in this area are very much welcome and you can present them at the meeting. Could you also think of Managing Authorities we may contact to work with on this issue?
Marielle Riché,
Evaluation Unit

2. Expert network
27 national policy papers and a synthesis report: June 2010
Link and complementarities between regional and national innovation policies considering the different contexts
Contribution of ERDF programmes to these policies and main challenges for cohesion policy
Evidence on performance of innovation support measures, good practice in evaluation of innovation

3. Expert workshops Based on results of Warsaw conference:
Brainstorm on possible activities to improve the evaluation of innovation supported by ERDF programmes: what is feasible?
Organise a worshop on evaluation of specific innovation measures such as cluster, advanced service for enterprises, technology transfer + less tangible results (behavioural additionality, …): practical methods, good examples, guidance

4. Work with regions and MS
Gather and analyse evaluations on innovation in regions and Member States (good practices)
On going or planned evaluations ?
Test methods with interested managing authorities (analyse difficulties, practicalities, gaps)
Managing authorities having a particular interest?
Work on improved innovation indicators (for programming period)