Lessons learnt and good practices of the process of association to Framework Programmes and innovation supporting measures and policies were in the focus of the 2nd Stakeholders’ Forum of the project BILAT-UKR*AINA held on 27-28 January, Kyiv, Ukraine. Presentations of distinguished speakers being experts of these fields enriched the programme followed by discussions. The event was of high interest; more than 70 participants registered and attended.

Since Ukraine will officially associate to Horizon 2020 in the forthcoming months, the event proved to be even more appropriate. Research and innovation is an important field in which Ukraine is linking ties closer with the EU. The significance of the event was underlined by Dr. Maksym Strikha, Deputy Minister of Education and Science for Ukraine, Anatoly Zagorodny, Vice President of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine as well as Thierry Devars, International Relations Officer of the EC responsible for the BILAT-UKR*AINA. On behalf of the consortium, Mr. Gorazd Weiss, BILAT-UKR*AINA project coordinator, presented also the latest project results.

During the first session, important lessons learnt on the process of association and possible benefits were demonstrated by country examples, such as from Poland, Hungary, and Moldova which associated H2020 last year.

Efficient use of opportunities provided by research and innovation FPs necessitates the existence of a well-organized NCP system. First, the current structure and services provided by Ukrainian NCP network were introduced. Practices of certain EU Member States (i.e. Germany, France, Hungary, Poland, and Austria) presented in the forum would definitely provide good examples for the reinforcement of the present system.

Based on the peer review of the current Ukrainian system executed by the project BILAT-UKR*AINA, it was highlighted that at first place, standardization and introduction of internal rules would be needed in the system. Additionally, ongoing dialogue with the EC and NCPs from other MSs and ACs shall be reinforced to channel in information, good practices and useful contacts.

On the second day, presentations focused on the theoretical background and case studies of innovation supporting measures and policies. Also, main difficulties of research and innovation cooperation between Ukraine and the EU were outlined. Examples of good cooperation between EU Member States and Ukraine were demonstrated and quite probably deepened through the formal and informal discussions.

Conclusions of the two-day event are summarizing the most relevant practices and lessons learnt from EU Member States which can serve as good examples for Ukraine (will be available soon).

Final agenda of the event available here

Presentations of the event available here