INTERNATIONAL SMART SPECIALISATION CONFERENCE
Join senior policymakers from the Ministry of Industry and Technology, representatives of development agencies, distinguished experts of European Commission, regional/local experts to exchange insights, establish partnerships, and explore Smart Specialisation in Türkiye.
Why Should You Attend the International Smart Specialisation Conference?
By bringing together senior policymakers from the Ministry of Industry and Technology, representatives of development agencies, distinguished experts of European Commission, regional/local experts to exchange insights, establish partnerships, and explore Smart Specialisation in Türkiye.This two-day event offers an opportunity to explore the latest developments and best practices in Smart Specialisation, highlight Türkiye’s growing engagement, and establish strategic partnerships to foster innovation and regional cohesion.
What Is Waiting for You at the Conference?
Participants will gain firsthand insights into Türkiye’s developing Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) implementation, engage in high-level debates on governance and funding mechanisms, and investigate best practices from the EU countries. Through interactive panels and hands-on sessions, participants will deepen their understanding of strategy design, stakeholder engagement,interregional and intraregional cooperation—while establishing strategic partnerships that lead future innovation and growth. Join us in Ankara to shape the discussion, learn about the progress and help define the future of Smart Specialisation.› Gain Insights: Explore the latest developments and best practices in Smart Specialisation, with case studies from Türkiye’s EU project implementations. › Engage in Methodology: Participate in interactive panels and sessions on strategy design, governance frameworks, stakeholder engagement, and financial support mechanisms.› Establish Partnerships: Network with senior policymakers, leading academics, international organisations, regional actors, and NGOs to build collaborations and create new opportunities for interregional and intraregional cooperation and innovation.
What Is CEDIS3 Project?
The “Capacity Enhancement for Development and Implementation of Smart Specialisation Strategies in Türkiye’s Regions” (CEDIS3) Project, co-financed by the EU and the Republic of Türkiye, aims to enhance the capacity of national and regional stakeholders to design and implement effective S3 in Türkiye. Additionally, the project seeks to enhance the design of the essential networking and governance mechanisms to support development agencies, as well as to increase the participation of regions in international and interregional cooperation.
For more information, please visit the CEDIS3 project website.
Conference
Schedule
May 27, Tuesday
May 28, Wednesday
May 27, Tuesday
08:30 - 09:00
am
Registration and Reception
09:00 – 10:00
am
Welcome Speeches
10:30 – 12:00
am
Keynote Speeches: Smart Specialisation in the Global Context: Future Directions
13:00 – 14:15
pm
Panel Discussion: CEDIS3 – Lessons and New Dimensions in the Innovation Policy
14:45 – 16:00
pm
Panel Discussion: Strengthening Interregional Collaboration for Smart Specialisation
16:30 – 17:00
pm
Closing Remarks
May 28, Wednesday
09:00 – 09:30
am
Welcome Coffee
09:30 – 10:45
am
Panel Discussion: Smart Specialisation and Transformative Growth - Navigating Innovation Ecosystems
11:15 – 12:30
am
Parallel Sessions
Parallel Session I: Digital and Green Transition: Building Resilient Regional Economies
Parallel Session II: Entrepreneurial Discovery and Smart Specialisation: The Road Ahead
Parallel Session III: Analytics of the S3 Design and implementation: Data and Analysis for S3
13:30 – 14:45
pm
Parallel Sessions
Parallel Session IV: Smart Specialisation and Its Role in Regional Innovation Ecosystems
Parallel Session V: S3 Governance and Efficient Implementation
Parallel Session VI: Higher Education and Smart Specialisation
15:15 – 17:15
pm
Panel Discussion: Partnerships and Financing Innovation in the S3 Context
17:15 – 17:30
pm
Closing Remarks
VENUE
Conference Location
Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) is served by EGO bus line 442 (AŞTİ–15 Temmuz Kızılay–Milli İrade Meydanı–Havalimanı), linking the AŞTİ coach terminal and Kızılay to the airport. Taxis are available at the airport and typically reach the hotel in 35 minutes, depending on traffic.
From Kızılay, the hotel is a 10-minute walk or one stop on the M1 metro (Kızılay–Batıkent line).
Complimentary self-parking and valet parking with in/out privileges are provided in the hotel’s secure multi-storey indoor car park. EV charging stations and accessible parking spaces are available on site. Conference attendees should request a parking access card at the registration desk upon arrival.
Accessibility & Assistance: Step-free routes, accessible restrooms, and on-site assistance are available; notify us in advance if you require any special arrangements.
On-Site Information Desk: A staffed information point in the foyer will be open from 07:30 each day to help with any venue or transport questions.
Address
Intercontinental Hotel (Grand Ankara Hotel)------------------Atatürk Bulvarı No: 183Kavaklıdere Çankaya / Ankara, TÜRKİYE06680Phone: +90 (312) 410 55 00
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