Invest Sofia and Еxperts from Switzerland, Spain and Greece Joined in the Final Phase of the RRI LEADERS Project
Yoanna Dragneva Ph.D., Chief Expert at the Investment Analysis Department of Invest Sofia, took part in the final phase of the project “Leadership for Territorial Development through Responsible Science and Innovation” (RRI LEADERS), funded by Horizon 2020 and implemented by Sofia Development Association and Applied Research and Communications Fund (ARC).
Sofia’s participation in RRI LEADERS aimed at the development of a strategy and action plan for the future application of the principles of responsible research and innovation (RRI) in the development and management of the innovation ecosystem of the participating territories (Sofia, Talville (Switzerland), Sabadell (Spain), West Macedonia in Greece).
The final workshops were held in Sofia on 29 and 30 June with the participation of representatives of the organizations leading the initiative in the other countries involved in the project – Switzerland, Spain, and Greece.
On the first day of the meetings, a panel discussion on Transforming territorial policymaking through co-creation and citizen engagement: how to design a “transformative outlook” took place. Each of the participating cities (Sofia, Talville (Switzerland), Sabadell (Spain), West Macedonia in Greece) presented how co-creation and citizen engagement have helped to address political cases at a local level. Roundtables and open discussions on the Vision for Responsible Territorial Development (RTD) were held. The participants discussed a range of issues including: what constitutes responsible territorial development; what are the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders (policy makers, researchers and academics, businesses, civil society organisations) and citizens for responsible territorial development; who are the leaders for achieving responsible territorial development; what are the social, technological, economic, environmental, political challenges for cities/territories to achieve responsible territorial development.
The second day of the final meetings featured an open discussion on the potential of RRI to address societal challenges and societal transformation processes; drivers and barriers and the role of local governments and local stakeholders in RRI for steering transformation to public benefit. The tools that Responsible Research and Innovation – RRI provides to manage citizen expectations and participation in transformations were discussed. Discussions included the learnings on responsible territorial governance; what is the added value of incorporating the RRI framework in local policies; what is the place of citizens in future policy-making and many more. Following this panel, summary presentations were made and wrap-ups from the four countries’ participation in the RRI LEADERS project were presented.
During the implementation of the project, a number of consultations were held with experts and citizens to engage their views on the future of the city and its transformation into a modern place to work and live. Key priorities in important city policies were discussed, including support for innovation, sustainable urban development, youth employment and entrepreneurship, digital transition and new skills.
