The event will address the question on how to align existing and upcoming innovation policy and R&D activities by operating in transnational structures to respond to the challenges at large. The benefits of joint research policies and strategies as well as cooperation in the frame of research and science will be discussed The event will explore how innovation can be unlocked by strengthening collaborative actions and securing a workable framework of macro-regional collaboration between science and industry, and what actions are needed to better link research expertise to concrete industrial needs. Finally, the event will investigate how public and private sectors can join forces to enhance regional prosperity and growth.