INTERNATIONAL NETWORK OF INNOVATION SENSORS
Jacques Guenot
1. Introduction
Within the
current geopolitical framework, the
2. International Network of Innovation Sensors Project
The
International Network of Innovation Sensors Project has drawn the attention of
UNESCO, which has considered it original and well-grounded, and has included it
in the MOST (Management of Social Transformations) Programme of the Division of
Social Science, Research and Policy.
The project's
general reference falls within the framework of the so-called "knowledge-based
economy", which constitutes a priority for the European Union as
emphasised during the Lisbon European Council in March 2000. The current scientific and cultural debate
has pointed out that the determining factors for the competition of the
so-called country systems, of the
regional macro areas and of the local territories of the various companies are
widely connected with know-how, culture, ability to accumulate
knowledge, organisation and management of information flows, and finally the
communication abilities of both organisations and individuals.
3. The Concept of Sensor
The concept of
Sensor goes beyond the static and disciplinary approach of the traditional
model of “Observatory” as:
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An objective, which is not only to monitor
reality, but to reveal and detect potential situations of cultural and social
development which may have economic implications;
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To stress the role of contexts rather than
individual situations, commitment to value the existing networks and promote
new ones;
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To pursue the above objectives, the conception
and the implementation of transdisciplinary
methodologies and systems;
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The presence of a two-directional project
approach, whereby the first direction goes from the Sensor through the
interpretation of local data and the second one – from the locality to the
Sensor, urging directly;
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Within this framework the transfer of
technology and scientific innovation is mainly conceived as interactive and
contextual development factor.
The concept of
the Sensor is based on the underlying will “To Get Together”, “To Learn
Together” and “To Work Together”, as well as to detect along with partner
Universities the problems of the host country, and subsequently to elaborate
programmes, which should contribute to the solution of problems. The Sensor
implies the concept of “Gateway”
recently adopted in the framework of EU policy
framework, referring to privileged “Entrance Doors”, able to capture
development opportunities, to bring innovation, to provide solutions by the
means of a transdisciplinary know-how and
direct involvement of institutions and business.
4. Objectives of the Sensors
The project is
based on the creation of Innovation
Sensors, amplifiers and diffusers of knowledge, within and in co-operation
with prestigious local academic institutions such as universities and research
centres. The Innovation Sensors will initially be organised as study centres
where local and Italian researchers will work jointly. The Sensors will pursue
various activities of scientific, technical and educational co-operation, i.e.
the promotion of meetings and seminars on specific themes connected with
development, such as transport, energy, telecommunications.
On the basis of shared knowledge and experience the Sensors have the task to
draft proposals, elaborate projects, activate and organise partnerships and
resources within the framework of the EU and other
international organisations. These projects will be then submitted to
international organisations and in particular – the EU
for possible funding. Another key function of the Sensor is to act as a liaison between scientific and economic
institutions in the involved countries, such as Research Centres, political
institutions, industry and business.
5.
International Network of Innovation Sensors
At present the
following Sensors have been set up:
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Sofia Sensor – in cooperation with the
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Romanian Network of Sensors – in cooperation with
the National School for Political and Administrative Studies (Bucharest), Iasi Sensor - with the Technical University and Timisoara Sensor - with the University “Politehnica”
§
Syrian Sensor – in cooperation with the
Universities of Damascus and
In addition, the
following Sensors are expected to be opened in the near future in the following
countries:
6. The Scientific Technical Board
The Scientific Technical Board assists
the Director by examining the programmes, proposing research projects in
specific sectors and applying for funds from public and/or private
organisations. It keeps contacts with researchers, promotes the dissemination
of research outcomes and encourages co-operation through the publication of
articles in specialised Italian and international reviews. The board has the
task to intensify the contacts with interested countries in order to affirm the
presence and promote the image of
The Scientific
Technical Board, which meets every six months at CIES Headoffice,
gathers the following members:
Director for the
Ambassador - Co-ordinator of the Stability Pact for Southern and Eastern
General Department for European Countries
Prof. Carlo Jean
(President)
Prof. Paolo Savona
Prof. Domenico
SINISCALCO
President of
Fondazione
Prof. Giorgio SZEGO
Professor in
Economy of Monetary and Financial Markets - Università
La Sapienza-
Solicitor
in Pesaro
7.
Conclusion
The project has
the clear objective – now more than ever relevant, after September 11th and while the winds of war are
blowing across the