Week of Innovative Regions in Europe 2016
The Brainport Eindhoven Region hosts the 7th edition of the European Commission’s Week of Innovative Regions in Europe (WIRE) from 8 to 10 June 2016. This conference of the Directorate-General Research & Innovation serves as a prime event under the flag of the Dutch EU Presidency in 2016.

Research and innovation in European regions
The WIRE 2016 conference provides a platform for policy makers, national and regional authorities, knowledge institutions and enterprises from all over Europe to have an in-depth discussion on research and innovation practices and challenges throughout the European regions, including possibilities in the current EU funding programmes and those beyond 2020.

The Power of Regional Innovation Ecosystems
A particular focus lies on extraordinary open innovation practices. In order to create impact, to upscale and aim for global competitiveness, WIRE 2016 intends to increase awareness on the importance and urgent need to build regional innovation ecosystems. The conference is therefore titled: The Power of Regional Innovation Ecosystems.

We welcome the regions of Europe to our world-class high tech ecosystem and will assure a fruitful, inspiring and truly innovating WIRE 2016 conference!

WIRE 2016 will start off with an on-site event programme on Wednesday 8 June. On this preliminary day open innnovation campus sites in the South of the Netherlands will be showcased through professional field visits. The conference programme on 9 and 10 June intends to provide an in-depth discussion on innovation opportunities for the regions, their innovation actors and to increase awareness of the need for regional actions to stimulate competitiveness. You find a complete schedule containing all sessions including coffee breaks, adresses and lunches on the sessions page.

Braiport Eindhoven Region
The Brainport Eindhoven Region in the South of the Netherlands has over 750,000 inhabitants. The region is a key player in top technology and design in Europe. The high concentration of high tech research and business makes Brainport an important part of the technological backbone of Europe. In terms of patent density Eindhoven is hands down is the most inventive city in the world. With 22.6 patents per 10,000 inhabitants way ahead of San Diego with 8.9. The Brainport Eindhoven Region is a European and even global frontrunner in high tech and precise manufacturing, photonics, robotics, data science, nano technology, wearable electronics, thin solar films, smart mobility systems and food processing.

Province of North Brabant
Historically a merely rural area, the Province of North Brabant (2.5 millon inhabitants) is now the beating industrial heart of the Netherlands. Brabant has prospered with a highly innovative, internationally oriented industry and a technology-based competitive agricultural sector. It is the only Dutch province that constantly has performed as an Innovation Leader in the European Commission's Regional Innovation Scoreboard over the last decade. Due to the pivotal contribution of the Brainport Eindhoven Region.

Muziekgebouw Eindhoven
WIRE 2016 will take place at Muziekgebouw Eindhoven. A concert hall with international name and fame and high level programming. Muziekgebouw Eindhoven is absolutely world-class, especially when it comes to classical music. The very best orchestras and conductors in the world, as well as international stars perform here. In addition great names from the genres pop, world and jazz also take the stage.

Spectacular metamorphosis
At a certain moment the building no longer matched the great ambitions and top programming. Therefore a radical renovation project started that was partly financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). In the summer of 2010 the building underwent a spectacular metamorphosis over a period of four months. This dynamic, urban music hall now brings together light, design, technology and programming. This makes Muziekgebouw Eindhoven a true concert hall of the future.

Design exposition restaurant Kazerne
The reception and gala dinner for delegates will be held at design exposition restaurant Kazerne. An inspiring place in the heart of Eindhoven which has gained rave reviews including from the New York Times. Besides delicious meals and drinks there are fascinating exhibitions to explore. Moreover it is a place where people with a background in arts, design, research and technology meet and interact in a Social Design Lab. Jeroen Junte is guest curator for the latest exhibition at Kazerne. It is titled Next Up and shows Dutch Design by an involved post crisis generation.

Here you can find press releases about WIRE 2016 and the latest news.

• Brainport Eindhoven Region hosts WIRE 2016, press release, March 2016
• Invitation Press Conference, press release, June 2016
• Highlights and main outcomes of the Week of Innovative Regions 2016