Event report

Research and Innovation have been an essential tool to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak at EU level and to ensure a sustainable and inclusive recovery from the crisis. They also have a catalysing role in achieving the green and digital (twin) transition. Regions and cities are key players in addressing major societal and environmental challenges that the EU is facing. The Covid crisis has shown some vulnerabilities of our economic and social systems, calling for a major effort to attain a green and digital future for Europe. The Resilience and Recovery Plans give an incredible opportunity to overcome these challenges through strategic investments and policy reforms, promoted by local and regional authorities. Regions and cities are also essential for the establishment of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, as a crucial part of the recovery process. During the session, we could hear Director Anna Panagopoulou's keynote speech on the role of R&I in achieving a sustainable recovery for Europe, as well as round table discussions (with panelists Corina Creţu MEP, as well as Ricardo Rio and Isabelle Boudineau CoR Members) on the role of regions and cities in the recovery towards the green transition and the importance of science in this process. At this Knowledge Exchange Platform workshop we also had the chance to listen to some specific examples of good practice implemented by the regions, as well as answer questions from the audience during a Q&A session.