Between 24 and 25 September, the first I3 Annual Forum took place in Brussels, organized by the European Commission. The event was designed as an opportunity to review the achievements of the I3 instrument, exchange practices, and shape future directions. The first part of the event was dedicated to plenary discussions and panels, where results with data, successful project stories, synergies with other programs, and the importance of the I3 instrument for regional growth and European competitiveness were presented. The second part of the event had a stronger work focus and included coordination group meetings, thematic workshops and discussion group sessions on the individual components of the instrument. Larisa Vodeb, an IER representative, participated in the discussions as a member of a group focusing on the challenges of creating regional, national and European value chains from the perspective of integrating less developed regions. The discussion also focused on the challenges of managing regional innovation ecosystems and connecting stakeholders in entrepreneurial discovery processes. The group also discussed the challenges of managing regional innovation ecosystems and connecting stakeholders in entrepreneurial discovery processes.

Through exchanging experiences and presenting practical approaches and potential opportunities for strengthening cooperation between more and less developed regions, group members contributed proposals for further improving the instrument and made recommendations for the period after 2027.

The event provided an important opportunity to strengthen professional connections, reinforce the role of our institute within the European area, and gather valuable information for future activities.