Several aspects emerged from the session dedicated to WBC: the use/participation in REGPOT initiatives, and especially industrial involvement was seen as an important factor in those initiatives. The WB Technology Fund was introduced there, and a strong demand from the region, especially for directed calls for REGPOT was highlighted.

The conference had a considerable impact, and the Hungarian Presidency is planning to organize the WIRE 2 conference, focusing on research infrastructure on a regional level.

All in all, the conference had a short and concise set of conclusions:

• A call for stronger coordination of programs FP7, CIP and structural funds, with a more in-depth look at synergy
• Agreement on the need for smart specialization of regions
• The role of clusters was highlighted, as gravity centres for research in regions, radiating on a transnational and regional level
• Need to develop indicators and objectives to monitor the progress of regions in line with the EU 2020 strategy and ERA objectives

The conclusions were brought to the attention of the Competitiveness Council. Two sets of conclusions were made, one relating to the WIRE conference, and another one included in the conclusions on simplification of research programs and more coherent application of all programs on research and innovation and their participation roles.

Source: Minutes of the 8th Meeting of Steering Platform on Research for the Western Balkan Countries, Belgrade, June 24, 2010.