Startup Europe Regions Network (SERN) Chiara Frencia September 2017, Brussels 1
The Rationale The EU hasn t been able, so far, to create a truly competitive environment for startups to grow into global players. a) We have a problem of funding scale; b) We have a problem of fragmentation; Regional Policies have not contributed to solve the problem! 2
The Concept Enhanced and continuous cooperation amongst engaged regions is crucial to gain critical mass. 3
The Model A Network of Regions dedicated to scaling up startup support Non for profit association; A solid group of regions as founding members; SERN core members are regions but is open to extended membership, if relevant (e.g. associations, universities if regionally mandated); Permanent secretariat based in Brussels. 4
The Mission To create and promote a culture of startup-friendly regions To reinforce the links between regional stakeholders who build and scale up the startups ecosystems at regional level in Europe, offering a permanent forum for the follow-up and continuation of time-limited activities, such as projects; Complementary to what already exists: e.g. CoR EER award, SoE Reviewing what has been achieved, progress done, current challenges, and addressing those challenges proposing solutions and mobilising the relevant stakeholders, including through projects and calls. 5
Current State of Affairs October 2015: Launch of SERN at CoR July 2016: Creation of SERN as a AISBL in Brussels 27 April 2017: SERN is presented at Startup Ole, Spain 16 May 2017: SERN is presented at Agorada 2017, Brussels May 2017: Reaches 15 members 14 June 2017: SERN Moving Forward Event, Brussels August 2017: Reaches 19 members Baden-Württemberg, North of Portugal, Emilia-Romagna, Nice/Cote d Azur, Extremadura, Budapest Metro Area, Timisoara, Coruña, Lisbon, Murcia, Oxford, Northern-Netherlands, Georgia s Innovation and Technology Agency, Cork Innovates Partnership, West Romania, Ireland, IST Germany, Business and Cultural Development Centre (KEPA Greece), Nord-France 6
Activities SERN focuses on 1. Mapping and providing better understanding of regional initiatives to support startups (annual survey); 2. Highlighting best practices; 3. Providing recommendations; 4. Connecting the relevant stakeholders and facilitating learning from each other. *All SERN activities discussed and agreed with SERN members according to your needs! 7
Short-term Activities Oct 2017: Dissemination of results of survey, publication of an interactive mapping of startup friendly regional measures; Oct 2017: Presentation of SERN to the high level committee of the ieer; SERN will give continuity to some activities developed by EU projects that are currently close to its end. Dec 2017: Starting of H2020 LEA Project Learntech Accelarator Unify LEA procurers network and "Observer Cities " 2 Reduce fragmentation of the public sector Enable increased dialogue between demand/ supply side Provide transfer of knowledge for the LEARNTECH community (other procurers, industry, start-ups, end - users and policy level) in order to remove barriers Speed up awareness rising of innovative procurement including cross sectorial value chains Jan 2018: Assistance to regions applying to EER awards; Organisation of thematic working groups and workshops according to interest from members 8
SERN Survey to EU Regions Nov 2016: EC communication on the Startup and Scale up Initiative => Main barriers for startups to scale up: Administrative barriers mainly cross-border Not enough opportunities for commercial partnerships/skills Difficulties in getting access to finance The survey aims to identify initiatives taken at regional level contributing to address this issues. DEADLINE FOR RESPONSES: 29 Sept 2017 9
SERN Thematic Working Groups Organisation of thematic working groups workshops according to interest from members Small working groups 6 members per group; Chaired by a SERN member (identified as best practice on the topic); Online discussions with members interested on the topic and final workshop on the theme in the region chairing the discussion.. 10
SERN Thematic Working Groups Organisation of thematic working groups workshops according to interest from members Potential themes: Access to finance/financial instruments; Integration of peripheric regions; Administrative burdens; Attracting and retaining talent opportunities for potential partnerships; Innovation support 11
How to engage with us? Let us know your views! Visit www.startupregions.eu and become a member and/or participate at our survey / register for our events; Follow us at Twitter @Startupregions; Send an e-mail to chiara.frencia@startupregions.eu or eurico.neves@startupregions.eu with your suggestions or ask for a meeting to share opinions and know more about our activities. 12
Startup Europe Region Network Avenue des Arts 24, BE 1000 Brussels, BELGIUM 13
JOIN THE STARTUP EUROPE REGIONS NETWORK Startup Europe Region Network Avenue des Arts 24, BE 1000 Brussels, BELGIUM 14