Programme

The promotion of innovation as a key driver for Europe's competitiveness

09h30 - 09h40 : Welcoming remarks

• Pieter Timmermans, CEO of the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB)
• Stefano Malia, President of the EESC Employers' Group

09h40 - 10:00 : Official opening - The Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU

• Ambassadeur Bernard Quintin, Directeur-Général a.i. of the DG Europe of the BE Ministry for Foreign Affairs
• Short Q&A with the audience

10h00 -11h30 : Thematic session - How to stimulate R&I activities? Some best practices of synergies between the private sector and the R&I community

Introductory remarks

• Edward Roosens, FEB’s Chief Economist and Executive Manager of the Competence Centre ‘Digital Economy & Innovation’

Panel discussions

• Panel 1: Sectoral « Centres DE GROOT » concept
  • Hermane Derache, Managing Director, Sirris
  • Bart Ingelaere, Group Compliance Officer, Buildwise
• Panel 2: Co-investment via the European Investment Bank (EIB)
  • Xavier Hormaechea, Managing Director, UCB
  • Avrille Palha, EIB
• Panel 3: R&D and Innovation through corporate venturing in Belgium
  • Elise Carton, Senior Manager Venture Deals, PWC
  • Paul Baisier, Chief & R&D Officer, Puratos

Conclusion

• Olivier Joris, EESC Employers' Group member, FEB’s Executive Manager of the Competence Centre ‘Europe & International’ 

11h30 - 11h45 : Coffee break

11h45 - 12h45 : Exchange on the High-Level Report on the Future of the Single Market entitled "Much more than a market" with the participation of Enrico Letta

• Presentation of the Report by Enrico Letta, President of the Jacques Delors Institute, former Italian Prime Minister
• Q&A with the audience

12h45-14h00 : Walking lunch buffet at the FEB