The KICKSTART (www.alfa-kickstart.org) project tackles the complex but increasingly relevant issue of international innovation by developing a network for academic entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer through a consortium of nine higher education institutions, from Latin America (Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina) and Europe (Spain, Germany and UK).

The project also recognises the importance of involving other key players within the innovation process and has designated a number of associated partners within each region, including Chambers of Commerce, Ministerial Departments and companies directly contributing to regional innovation support. The first phase of the project culminated in a series of web-streamed workshops, an innovation competition, researcher exchange programme and textbook. Funded by the EC’s ALFA Programme, the project has secured a further 1m euros for a second phase which aims to strengthen and expand the network, involving local stakeholders and setting up three one-year innovation support programmes in Bolivia, Colombia and Peru.

Agenda: 

08.30-09.30  Regaistration and Coffee
09.30-10.00  Welcome
10.00-10.15  Sir Brian Fender, Institute of Knowledge Transfer
10.15-10.30  Francesa Toso, Coorporation for development  Bureau for Latin America
10.30-11.00  Basile Papadopoulos, Head of EuropeAid Unit
11.00-12.30  Parallel Sessions
12.30-13.30  Lunch
13.30-15.00  Parallel Sessions 2
15.00-16.30  Parallel Sessions 3
16.30-17.00  Coffee
17.00-18.00  Summaries and closing remarks
19.00 - Drinks reception at Glasgow City Chambers