
Charles W. Wessner (US)

Transforming Innovation Ecosystems
Professor Ben Martin studied physics as an undergraduate at Cambridge and science policy as a postgraduate at Manchester. He has carried out research for 30 years in the field of science policy, serving as the Principal Investigator or Project Leader on over 50 research projects and commissioned studies. These have been mostly concerned with the development of techniques for generating systematic information to aid decision-making in relation to science, engineering and technology.
Since 1996, he has been Professor in Science and Technology Policy Studies at SPRU (Science Policy Research Unit, the University of Sussex), one of the world’s leading institutions in the area of science policy and innovation studies. He served as Director of SPRU from 1997-2004. In addition, he is currently Associate Fellow of the Centre for Science and Policy (CSaP), University of Cambridge. He is also Senior Visiting Fellow, Centre for Business Research, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.
Chairman of Insight Foresight Institute, José Manuel Leceta contributes to the World Economic Forum report.
Collaborative Innovation: Transforming Business, Driving Growth.
A new coalition is set to create an innovative ecosystem in Spain. The Royal Academy of Engineering sponsors the Forum E2 I2, to unite innovation actors with allies including RedEmprendia, la Fundación Transforma España, el Foro de Empresas Innovadoras and European Institute of Innovation and Technology.
The Royal Academy of Engineering together with the experts of Insight Foresight Institute (IFI) coordinates the Forum E2 I2 + Education + Entrepreneurship + Innovation + Investment, a meeting point of experts from member companies and the world of academia seeking to address the major challenges in these areas in a coordinated manner.
“This is to encourage understanding what’s working and what must be improved,” says Elijah Ferreres, president of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
“Now we have an opportunity to do different things. The ecosystem allows us to guide new policies, in academia and in the corporate world, “explains Senen Barro, president of the RedEmprendia.
“This is to introduce innovation beyond the ICT sectors such as textiles or the food sector, which accounts for over 20% of Spanish GDP, “says José Molero, president of the Forum for Innovative Enterprises. He adds: “we must create a strategic framework with new policies”.
Meanwhile, Eduardo Serra, president of fundación Transforma España, points to the lack of collaboration between the different actors. “In countries like USA exists flexibility and relationship between different sectors. The professors go to companies, etc.. However in Spain there are a great reluctance to produce these relationships.”
José Manuel Leceta, chairman of IFI (director of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology at the time of the forum kick-off) also points to the importance of a comprehensive approach to economic transformation, education and business to promote innovation ecosystem.
For further information: Jose Manuel Leceta
Insight Foresight Institute (IF-Institute)
C/ Isabel Colbrand 6, Quinta Planta.
28050 Madrid, Spain
info@if-institute.org
tel. +34 600842168