Strong interest in VARIO advisory report on transformative innovation policy

In March, VARIO published its advisory report on transformative innovation policy, which is innovation policy that contributes to solving the major societal challenges we face. Since then, VARIO has been invited several times for a presentation on the topic, to the Steering Committee of the EU Platform, Essenscia and the Permanent Consultative Body of the Climate Leap. Last week, staff member Veerle Linseele also gave an introductory talk for a debate on “transformative innovation” at the CAPTURE days in Ghent. Among other things, she emphasized the importance of exnovation, the gradual but active dismantling of the old, unsustainable system, and the importance of cooperation across policy domains within the government. Walter Eevers (VITO), Karel Volckaert (riverrun, Itinera) and Willy Verstraete (CAPTURE strategic advisor, and former FWO chairman) participated in the subsequent debate. Among other things, the risk of lobbying in determining the direction, inherent to transformative innovation policy, was discussed. The importance of free research and innovation was also emphasized. This is in line with previous VARIO recommendations, for example in the VARIO advisory report on the ‘policy mix’.

VARIO-Advies 27. Visie op een goede beleidsmix tussen vrije en thematische steun voor O&O in Vlaanderen

VARIO-advies 35. Transformatiegericht innovatiebeleid. Een bestuurskader voor de Vlaamse overheid.

Programma CAPTURE days 29-30 Augustus