Context
The context of the conference is the need to further develop links and synergies between the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and the European Research Area (ERA) in the context of a shift towards a knowledge-based economy with a new model of sustainable economic growth.
The next decade is going to be important to shape the Europeans models of higher education and research based on the results of the Bologna and Lisbon 2010 processes and on the aspiration to develop a European Knowledge Area (EKA), as the conceptual framework facilitating the achievement of economic and social objectives of growth, jobs and social cohesion.

Purpose
The objectives of the conference will be:

• Explore the interfaces between the EHEA and the ERA. Towards new EKA instruments
• European Research Schools. How?
• Modernisation Agenda for Universities:
  • Connections between higher education and innovation.
  • University contribution to socio-economic development in the knowledge society

Target audience
The conference is aimed to promote a strengthened dialogue between policy makers and representatives of the university world together with other knowledge-related stakeholders such as research institutions, civil society organisations and businesses.
A maximum of 200 participants is foreseen.

Format
The Conference will last for 1/2 days comprising five different types of sessions:

• Opening session by representatives of the Ministry of Education of Spain, Commissioners of Research and regional authorities at highest level from the region where the conference is hold.
• Plenary sessions with distinguished speakers from Universities, Businesses, Civil Society Organisations,  Ministries and Enterprises;
• Parallel Workshops focusing on each of the four aims of the Conference, i.e. interfaces between the EHEA and the ERA, European Research Schools, Modernisation agenda for universities: connections between higher education and innovation and university contribution to socio-economic development. 

A moderator will introduce the subject. Three speakers representing universities, other stakeholders (Civil Society Organisations, Enterprises, European Commission, etc.) and policy makers could briefly make short introductory speeches (10 minutes) followed by a reaction from the other panellists and a final Debate/Q & A session with the audience. A rapporteur should be appointed for each session summarising the main findings and conclusions of each workshop as an input for the Plenary Conclusion session.

• Plenary conclusion session giving the feedback, conclusions and recommendations from the workshops
• Closing session at political level involving the highest possible level from the Commission and the Spanish government.

Expected outcome:
To develop and further elaborate ways of dealing with concrete Education and Innovation policy objectives, focusing in the post 2010 Bologna and Lisbon processes. Concrete outcomes could be:

• Recommendations, good practices and benchmarks for the further development of European Higher Education Area and its links with research and innovation.
• Input for new Commission work and possible Council decision/resolution on the topic encouraging Member States to further work together and co-ordinate their policies.

A deeper involvement of the engagement of all the stakeholders in the process.