In the context of the public consultation on the Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3), the Regional Government will hold a public session for the presentation of the proposal to be implemented in the Azores in the 2014-2020 period. The session will take place at Anfiteatro C of the University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada Campus, on July 23 at 3 PM.

The event will be attended by the Regional Secretary for the Sea, Science and Technology. It is intended to mobilise all interested parties and the main regional partners for the establishment of political priorities and the sectoral identification of the potential for economic development and employment creation.

The development of RIS3 Açores proposal required the analysis of three priority areas: "Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Agro-industry," "Fisheries and the Sea," and "Tourism." It took into consideration the differentiation potential of these areas, the existence of critical mass or the existing external connections.

Moreover, the proposal was analysed based on other areas of knowledge where the Region has a differentiation potential at an international level, such as biotechnology, volcanology and geological risks, energy, or space monitoring. These areas have the potential to enhance our strategy and boost the further development of the proposed pilot projects.

The Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) will be implemented through the support to research and innovation activities. It will also uphold the decision to maintain European structural investments as part of the contribution of the Cohesion Policy to the goals of Europe 2020 strategy.

The Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation embodies a priority set during the Azorean Presidency of the Conference of Outermost Regions. It will be available for consultation until July 28 at the following address: http://www.azores.gov.pt/Portal/pt/entidades/srmct/docDiscussao/Estrategia_de_Investigacao_e_Inovacao_para_a_Especializacao_Inteligente.htm. All reports on the proposal should be sent to the email address [email protected].