Photo credit: www.innovatorsmag.com
In 2025, Innovators Magazine marks its 10th anniversary by highlighting ten significant milestones each month: the stories, podcasts, and initiatives that have contributed to our journey thus far. To kick off this celebration, we reflect on a pivotal moment from the year 2023.
___
Contributed by Roland Strauss, founder of Knowledge4Innovation (first published: January 2023)
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity,” a sentiment often linked to Albert Einstein, captures the spirit of our current era.
This phrase resonates strongly amidst the various challenges facing society today, including the climate crisis, global pandemics, and political unrest, which may seem overwhelming. Yet, in the heart of this turmoil lies the potential for innovation and progress—especially visible in Europe, where there is a concerted effort to seize these opportunities.
The vibrant array of inventive ideas emerging today reflects a collective vision for the future, one that is driven by inspiration rather than fear.
Fortunately, I have had the privilege of witnessing much of this activity firsthand, particularly through the commendable initiatives led by the Knowledge4Innovation (K4I) Forum within the European Parliament. This forum is at the forefront of promoting and stimulating significant innovations.
For instance, our recent open call for actionable strategies to inform the eight key areas outlined in the European Innovation Areas (EIA) Manifesto has attracted remarkable engagement. This Manifesto, which European Commissioner for Innovation Mariya Gabriel noted was fully embedded in the New European Innovation Agenda, aims to harness Europe’s potential in deep technology, address regulatory frameworks for disruptive innovations, and enhance financing for new tech ventures—all while fostering a culture that supports women’s contributions to innovation.
This manifesto represents a forward-looking framework for Europe, one that is gradually being realized through the diverse and dynamic ideas shared via our online EIA platform. A selection of these concepts can be explored in a special edition of Innovators Magazine featured below.
Beyond simply reading about these pioneering ideas, individuals are encouraged to contribute their insights and actively participate in shaping Europe’s path toward a climate-neutral future.
It is my hope that the ideas presented here—and the numerous others available online—serve as a source of inspiration, echoing Albert Einstein’s caution that we cannot solve problems with the same thinking that created them.
During a ceremony organized by the Knowledge4Innovation (K4I) Forum in the European Parliament, a special edition of Innovators Magazine was formally presented to Mariya Gabriel, the then-European Commissioner for Innovation, with the handoff conducted by Maria da Graça Carvalho, Portugal’s Minister for Environment and Energy.
Read the digital version here.
__
Stay updated with the latest in innovation by signing up for our newsletter.
Source
www.innovatorsmag.com