Edinburgh, 18 January 2011

The theme of the Inspire Conference 2011 is 'INSPIREd by 2020 - Contributing to smart, sustainable and inclusive growth'.

In 2010, the European Union renewed its commitment to 'knowledge-based' sustainable development by putting forward three mutually reinforcing priorities in the Europe 2020 Strategy:

• Smart growth: developing an economy based on knowledge and innovation;
• Sustainable growth: promoting a more resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy;
• Inclusive growth: fostering a high-employment economy delivering social and territorial cohesion.

This edition of the INSPIRE Conference offers an opportunity to explore INSPIRE's contribution to Europe's 2020 strategic goals and to root its further implementation and development in the EU 2020 follow-up programmes.

• INSPIRE for Sustainable Growth calls for ideas and demonstrations of INSPIRE's contribution to resource efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions, to the protection of the environment and prevention of biodiversity loss, as well as to the strengthening of resilience to climate risks and disaster prevention and response capacities;
• INSPIRE for Smart Growth explores INSPIRE's contribution to Europe's Digital Agenda and more in particular it's role in eGovernment and the development of eEnvironment services;
• INSPIRE for Inclusive Growth - opens new avenues for INSPIRE in the context of New Skills for New Jobs. It calls for an exploration on the kind of jobs and the potential for job creation related to INSPIRE. What skills and competences are needed? What kind of education and training is needed? What kind of INSPIRE applications can help people integrate in the communities where they live?

In addition to these 3 exploratory chapters, the INSPIRE Conference will examine and report on the progress being made in the development and implementation of INSPIRE Directive and Implementing Rules.

The Call for Papers is now open and the closing date for abstract submissions is 24 February 2011. Details about the submission guidelines and deadlines may be found here.

The organizers are particularly interested in accounts of what works, and what does not work, what are perceived benefits for policy, public administration, citizens and the private sector. Proposals will be evaluated by the programme committee and those accepted will be included in programme and published in the on-line conference proceedings.

Registration is not yet open. Full details on registration and fees will be posted on the event's website in the coming weeks.