Research & Innovation: Which priorities for structural funds in Luxembourg

It is a key aim of the EU2020 strategy and of the Luxembourg government to promote research and innovation (“smart growth”). The 2014-2020 programming period of the Structural Funds offers an opportunity to support projects in this field at national, cross-border and transnational levels. This leaflet synthesises the results of a consultation process organised by the ESPON Contact Point of Luxembourg in summer and autumn 2013 in the framework of the USESPON project. First, it aimed at analysing the relevance of ESPON results in the field of research, development and innovation (RDI) in Luxembourg. Second, this process reflected on possible priorities for the future operational programmes of the structural funds. This process involved either experts in the field of RDI or those responsible for drafting operational programmes. The consultation process has been framed by a Delphi technique. First, participants received “support material” presenting the situation of Luxembourg according to the ESPON results. Second, they participated in a workshop on 11th July 2013. Third, a synthesis based on the results of the workshop was provided together with a questionnaire giving the experts the opportunity to deepen and concretise their contribution. By summarising this consultation process, this leaflet aims at 1) working out a profile of Luxembourg on the basis of ESPON results in the field of RDI and 2) developing recommendations of how future-oriented innovation strategies can be implemented in the context of European Territorial Cooperation. The final version of this document was published on the ECP Luxembourg website in autumn 2013.