Editorial Newsletter #5 – May 2022

In this fifth and penultimate newsletter, as the FORWARD project comes to an end after three and a half years, the actions underway confirm the interesting perspectives for the outermost regions, which are asserting their desire to be part of the R&I framework programs on a long-term basis.

First of all, a concept note has been approved by all 9 territories relative to the building of the OR-izon network. OR-izon intends to be a strong cooperation between the OR’s affirming themselves as European Living Labs with excellent R&I organizations and stakeholders.

Then, to strengthen the cooperation and involvement, a letter of intent has been signed by all the 9 OR’s governance affirming their will to collaborate post FORWARD.

All these documents, concept note for an OR-izon network and letter of support are tools included into a joint common strategy designed at the beginning of the project. One vision, mission and values have been defined. This joint strategy has been updated during the month of March and April 2022 specifying the results and perspectives.

The after Forward with OR-izon network will be discussed during the finale conference scheduled on June 1^st and 2^nd.

Two highlights are planned for this final conference, which are also part of the European Green Week:

– The Steering Committee meeting on June 1^st, which will focus on discussions related to the end of the project scheduled for June 2022 and the post-Forward perspectives.

– The General Assembly and the Advisory Board meeting on June 2^nd, where results of the project, diagnosis of OR R&I ecosystems and thematic working groups will be presented.