Innovation is key to kick-starting growth and helping economic recovery, delegates were told at the Open Innovation 2.0 Conference in Dublin Castle yesterday.
The two-day programme brings together academics, business figures and politicians, recognises leading innovators and features a free technology showcase at the Mansion House.
Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton called on attendees to recognise the transformative potential of innovative ideas.
“It’s not just about the money, it’s about innovation for society, for people”, Mr Bruton added.
Prof Stephen Hawking, speaking by videolink, reminded delegates of the “need for a new economic and environmental trajectory” and called on them to “look up at the stars and not at your feet – be curious.”
Prof Elias Carayannis said that, in Europe, “We talk about countries going bankrupt and we have a multitude of knowledge banks whose value added assets are not properly assessed, let alone monetised. I think there’s a very important mission here and it’s beyond politics. We need to focus on universities and create spin-offs.”
The conference is organised by Intel Labs Europe, the European Commission, the Open Innovation and Strategy Group, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin City Council and Ireland’s EU presidency.
