On 8 April 2016 the European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas and the President of the European Committee of  Regions Markku Markkula will award the winners of the second European Capital of Innovation contest.

The nine finalists of this years competition are:

• Amsterdam (NL) – for embracing a bottom-up approach based on smart growth, startups, livability and digital social innovation
• Berlin (DE) – for performing as an urban living lab where innovative Information and Communication Technology solutions can be tested
• Eindhoven (NL) – for combining digital technology with creativity in its world-leading urban smart lighting strategy
• Glasgow (UK) – for its replicable innovation model based on partnerships across industry, science and communities
• Milano (IT) – for enhancing social inclusion and alternative models in the delivery of public services to create more opportunities for employment
• Oxford (UK) – for its vision to openly share the wealth of knowledge within its world-class innovation ecosystem
• Paris (FR) – for its strategy based on open innovation, connectivity and ingenuity aiming at becoming a world hub for start-up
• Torino (IT) – for its open innovation models supporting social innovation start-ups and creating new market opportunities for urban innovations
• Vienna (AT) – for its innovation and ICT strategies based on a citizen-centred approach and long-term developments in economy, education, research and technology

With this second edition of the award, the European Commission wanted to celebrate the European city that is building the best “innovation ecosystem”- connecting citizens, public organisations, academia, and business – with a view to helping the city scale up its efforts in this field. For us at ENoLL it is great to see such wide appreciation and focus being put on a citizen centric approach to innovation and the creation of new innovation ecosystems. Numerous of the cities nomiated are either ENoLL members or have been linked with our activities and focused on the “city as a lab” approach. These pioneering cities are setting a great example to others across Europe and even further afield that adpoting citizen centric inovation ecosystem has wide benefits for all stakeholders both public and private.

If you want to attend the award ceremony of the European Capital of  Innovation Award 2016 the ceremony is due to take place at the Committee of Regions – ‘The Atrium’, 5th floor from 14.30 to 15.30, followed by a networking cocktail. If you are interested you can register via email by 22 March 2016 to the following address: RTD-I-CAPITAL@ec.europa.eu