With the aim of accomplishing a priority set during the Azorean Presidency of the Conference of Outermost Regions, the Government of the Azores has developed a concerted proposal on the Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (RIS3) to be implemented in the Azores for the 2014-2020 period. Currently, the proposal is under public consultation.

The RIS3 Açores proposal is available for consultation at the following address until July 28: 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]. This initiative aims 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.

In order to promote public participation, the Government of the Azores, through the Regional Secretariat for the Sea, Science and Technology, will organise a session for the public presentation of the Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation. The event will take place at Anfiteatro C of the University of the Azores, Ponta Delgada Campus, on July 23 at 3 PM.

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.